used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
anew
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
(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 Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
Berta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
brushverbUS /brʌʃ/
rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
curvesnounUS /kɜːrvz/
plural of “curve” — the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
dartedverbUS /ˈdɑːrtɪd/
past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
dimplenounUS /ˈdɪmpəl/
a chad that has been punched or dimpled but all four corners are still attached
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
let fall to the ground
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
essaynounUS /eˈseɪ/
an analytic or interpretive literary composition
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
opinion or judgment
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
flutterverbUS /ˈflʌtər/
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
joyousadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɔɪəs/
full of or characterized by joy
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
and nothing more
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
lashesnounUS /ˈlæʃɪz/
plural of “lash” — any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
a particular point in time
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
nicking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
on one occasion
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
and nothing more
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
quivered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
with speed
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
rebelliousadjectiveUS /rɪˈbeljəs/
resisting control or authority
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
rustleverbUS /ˈrʌsəl/
make a dry crackling sound
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
senioradjectiveUS /ˈsiːnjər/
older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
smoothedadjectiveUS /smuːðd/
made smooth by ironing
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
smotheringadjectiveUS /ˈsmʌðərɪŋ/
causing difficulty in breathing especially through lack of fresh air and presence of heat
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/
not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
a person, without saying who
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
sparkleverbUS /ˈspɑːrkəl/
reflect brightly
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
straightenverbUS /ˈstreɪtən/
straighten up or out; make straight
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
moving very fast
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
tap-tap-tap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
They've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "They've come!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
two times
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
precisely as stated
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading VICTORY At her escape into the corridor Berta paused for a moment in the shadow of the staircase to brush the excitement from her glowing face.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Her efforts were all in vain, however, for at the very minute that the dimple came dancing out again and the rebellious mouth quivered back into its joyous curves, somebody with a swift tap-tap-tap of light heels flew down the stairs in a rustle and a flutter and darted toward Berta.
which person or people
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
winkedverbUS /wɪŋkt/
past form of “wink” — signal by winking
From this reading She winked rapidly once or twice in hopes of smothering the sparkle in her eyes, but succeeded only in nicking a happy tear drop from her lashes.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Then she smoothed the dimple from her cheek and tried to straighten her lips into the sober dignity proper for a senior who was on the honor list and had just come from an interview with the critic of her commencement essay.
