used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They were talking about her!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
carefully weighed
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
DISCUSSIONnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/
plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
Ellen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
entertainverbUS /ˌentərˈteɪn/
provide entertainment for
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
a social unit living together
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
a long fixed look
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
gimcracks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
staying power
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
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 She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
used to form the superlative
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
held or filled or in use
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
and nothing more
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
rusty-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
skimpyadjectiveUS /ˈskɪmpi/
containing little excess
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
skirtnounUS /skɜːrt/
cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
stockingsnounUS /ˈstɑːkɪŋz/
plural of “stocking” — close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
successive (without a break)
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
surveynounUS /sərˈveɪ/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading They were talking about her!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were talking about her!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
precisely as stated
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A FAMILY DISCUSSION Ellen settled herself on the most uncomfortable chair in the room for the simple reason that it was the only one left her, the others being occupied by her elders, relatives of various sorts.
waxverbUS /wæks/
cover with wax
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She pulled down her skimpy black skirt over the length of rusty-looking stockings which covered her long legs, and gave herself up to a survey of the articles in the room.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading There were so many little gimcracks that Ellen considered she could entertain herself by looking at them while the others talked and talked.
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading She was not interested in the conversation at first, but suddenly she withdrew her gaze from a group of wax flowers and fruit under glass, and sat up very straight.
