used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
(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 AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
amanuenses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
ambitiousadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪʃəs/
having a strong desire for success or achievement
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
apple-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
a flexible container with a single opening
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
dearly loved
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
blessingsnounUS /ˈblesɪŋz/
plural of “blessing” — the formal act of approving
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
the two together, not just one
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
catsnounUS /kæts/
plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
excitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
fascinationnounUS /ˌfæsəˈneɪʃən/
the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
people in general (often used in the plural)
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
goatnounUS /ɡoʊt/
any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
helter-skelteradjectiveUS /ˌheltərˈskeltər/
lacking a visible order or organization
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
mail-bag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
engage in
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
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 But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
MIRANDA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
used to form the superlative
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
overwhelmingadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/
so strong as to be irresistible
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
philosophicaladjectiveUS /ˌfɪləˈsɑːfɪkəl/
of or relating to philosophy or philosophers
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
PokeyadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊki/
wasting time
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
ponynounUS /ˈpoʊniː/
a range horse of the western United States
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
with speed
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
done under pressure
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
scatteringnounUS /ˈskætərɪŋ/
a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
an educational institution
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
settlingnounUS /ˈsetəlɪŋ/
a gradual sinking to a lower level
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
and nothing more
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
slippingadjectiveUS /ˈslɪpɪŋ/
moving as on a slippery surface
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
solveverbUS /sɑːlv/
find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
Springdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
SpringingverbUS /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
carry out
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Springing from their seats upon the soft grass under the old apple-tree, and scattering dogs, cats, a goat, and a pony helter-skelter, the two girls rushed after him to claim any mail the bag might hold for them.
VacationnounUS /veɪˈkeɪʃən/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
precisely as stated
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AUNT MIRANDA COMES TO TOWN Vacation was slipping away all too rapidly, and the first of September drawing near to carry Pokey away from her beloved Springdale and back to the city and school duties.
look attentively
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
wearisomeadjectiveUS /ˈwɪrisəm/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
(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 But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But two more weeks remained of that precious vacation, and how to make those weeks the very best of all was a problem the children were settling themselves to solve one warm morning, when John appeared with the mail-bag.
at the time that
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But Pokey was an ambitious little soul, as well as a very philosophical one, and took her blessings as they came, making the most of them for the time being, and taking up the duties with a cheerful face when the time arrived to take them--a characteristic which followed her through her whole life, and made many a wearisome burden less wearisome.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading True, their correspondence was not so overwhelming that they required amanuenses, but a mail-bag has a wonderful fascination for both old and young folk, and simply to watch for a possible letter was exciting.
