used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
alterverbUS /ˈɔːltər/
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
BethnounUS /beθ/
the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
colorsnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a flag that shows its nationality
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
Cortlandts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
dozensnounUS /ˈdʌzənz/
a large number or amount
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
glitteringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
HOLLYnounUS /ˈhɑːli/
any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
JOLLYadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
and nothing more
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
laddernounUS /ˈlædər/
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
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 Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
RHYMEnounUS /raɪm/
correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
sizesnounUS /ˈsaɪzəz/
plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
spoilverbUS /spɔɪl/
make a mess of, destroy or ruin
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
Tim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She asked to have Tim from the stable “to do the ladder part,” as she put it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
trimverbUS /trɪm/
remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
trimmedadjectiveUS /trɪmd/
made neat and tidy by trimming
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “HOLLY AND JOLLY RHYME” Christmas eve was a busy one.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Beth took it for granted that she and her cousins were to trim the tree themselves, and it so fell out.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading Beth was given authority over it, as it was to be her party, and, after she got over being afraid to decide any question put to her lest she should decide wrong and spoil the tree, she enjoyed her dignity just as much as she enjoyed the glittering ornaments of many sizes, colors and clever designs which had been ordered in dozens for her tree.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
a late time of life
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Other years the young Cortlandts’ tree had been trimmed for them, but this year the fact that the tree was intended to give poor children pleasure seemed to alter every one’s attitude toward it.
