used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
admireverbUS /ædˈmaɪr/
feel admiration for
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
alumnaenounUS /əˈlʌmneɪ/
plural of “alumna” — a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
Bea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
Berta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
CLASSMATESnounUS /ˈklæsmeɪts/
plural of “classmate” — an acquaintance that you go to school with
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
decentadjectiveUS /ˈdiːsənt/
socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
delugenounUS /ˈdeljuːdʒ/
an overwhelming number or amount
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
frustrateverbUS /ˈfrʌstreɪt/
hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
brought together in one place
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
graspedverbUS /ɡræspt/
past form of “grasp” — hold firmly
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
the month following May and preceding July
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
immediately past
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
lawnnounUS /lɔːn/
a field of cultivated and mowed grass
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
Lila
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
morrow's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
presidentsnounUS /ˈprezədents/
plural of “president” — an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
Robbie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
seniorsnounUS /ˈsiːnjərz/
plural of “senior” — an undergraduate student during the year preceding graduation
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
skippingverbUS /ˈskɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “skip” — bypass
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
spreadingnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/
process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading She dragged them under its spreading branches to the centre of the throng that had gathered in the June twilight.
migratory
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Berta was already there, mounted on a small platform that had been built against the trunk in preparation for the morrow's Class Day ceremonies.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading "She looks pretty decent," whispered Bea to Robbie in order to frustrate the queer sensation in her throat at sight of the eager face laughing above them on this last evening together before the deluge of commencement guests.
which person or people
From this reading "I hope the alumnae who are wandering around admire our taste in presidents."
in the company of; together with
From this reading CLASSMATES Bea reached for Robbie with one arm, grasped Lila with the other, and went skipping after the rest of the seniors over the lawn to their class tree.
