used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
from one side of something to the other
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
Beatrix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
BELLA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
broodverbUS /bruːd/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
distractionnounUS /dɪˈstrækʃən/
mental turmoil
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
drivesnounUS /draɪvz/
plural of “drive” — the act of applying force to propel something
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
a social unit living together
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
destroyed or killed
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
house-mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
idlenessnounUS /ˈaɪdəlnəs/
having no employment
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
impracticableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpræktɪkəbəl/
not capable of being carried out or put into practice
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
insatiableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈseɪʃəbəl/
impossible to satisfy
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
IsabellanounUS /ˌɪzəˈbelə/
the queen of Castile whose marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain; they instituted the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 and sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492 (1451-1504)
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
go away from a place
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
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 NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
manounUS /mɑː/
informal terms for a mother
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
engage in
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
mendingnounUS /ˈmendɪŋ/
garments that must be repaired
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
moorverbUS /mʊr/
secure in or as if in a berth or dock
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
nightlyadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪtli/
happening every night
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
OVERHEARSverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhiːrz/
third-person singular of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers
From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
overtaxedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈtækst/
past form of “overtax” — tax excessively
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
ridesnounUS /raɪdz/
plural of “ride” — a journey in a vehicle (usually an automobile)
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
precisely, exactly
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
express in words
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
Scratchell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
not often
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
skirtnounUS /skɜːrt/
cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
socksnounUS /sɑːks/
plural of “sock” — hosiery consisting of a cloth covering for the foot; worn inside the shoe; reaches to between the ankle and the knee
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
trousersnounUS /ˈtraʊzərz/
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
vergenounUS /vɜːrdʒ/
a region marking a boundary
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
at the time that
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
belonging to which person
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
withdrawverbUS /wɪðˈdrɔː/
pull back or move away or backward
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
you're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
