used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
ACQUAINTANCESnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
admonishedverbUS /ədˈmɑːnɪʃt/
past form of “admonish” — advise or counsel in terms of someone's behavior
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
(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 _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
completely unclothed
From this reading "Those funny flowers on the bare elm trees," was the reply.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
Clara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
curiouslyadverbUS /ˈkjʊriəsli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
dearly loved
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
dependingverbUS /dɪˈpendɪŋ/
-ing form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
discernverbUS /dɪˈsɜːrn/
detect with the senses
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
the act of discovering something
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
elmnounUS /elm/
any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading "Those funny flowers on the bare elm trees," was the reply.
Elmridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
ELMSnounUS /elmz/
plural of “elm” — any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
at any time
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
opinion or judgment
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
flocknounUS /flɑːk/
a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading "Those funny flowers on the bare elm trees," was the reply.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
set up or found
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading "Those funny flowers on the bare elm trees," was the reply.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
governessnounUS /ˈɡʌvərnəs/
a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
Harson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
home-elms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
not in action or at work
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
leaf-buds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
being perceived or observed
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
peeringverbUS /ˈpiːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
a light shade of red
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
without much difficulty
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading "Those funny flowers on the bare elm trees," was the reply.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
in the near future
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
the season of growth
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
suitsnounUS /suːts/
plural of “suit” — a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
express in words
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
push forcefully
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
the topmost one of two
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
the act of using
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _OLD ACQUAINTANCES: THE ELMS._ Miss Harson had admonished her little flock that they must use their own eyes and be able to tell her things instead of depending altogether on her to tell them; so now they were all peering curiously among the trees to see which were putting on their new spring suits.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
hope for; have a wish
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Clara soon made a discovery, however, of what her governess had noticed for a day or two, and the wonder was found on their own home-elms, those stately trees which had shaded the house ever since it was built, and from which the place got its pretty name--Elmridge.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading The yellow trees and the pink trees had been readily distinguished, but, although the others had not been idle, it was not so easy for little people to discern their leaf-buds.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Well, dear," said Miss Harson, coming to the upper window from which an eager head was thrust, "what is it that you wish me to see?"