used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
(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 St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
Barbara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
baskingverbUS /ˈbæskɪŋ/
-ing form of “bask” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
Bossuet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
corenounUS /kɔːr/
a small group of indispensable persons or things
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
a small house with a single story
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
damenounUS /deɪm/
informal terms for a (young) woman
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
a female human offspring
From this reading JEPHTHAH’S DAUGHTER.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
opinion or judgment
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
fearlessadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrləs/
oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
foundationsnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃənz/
plural of “foundation” — the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
garmentsnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənts/
plural of “garment” — an article of clothing
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
good-lookingadjectiveUS /ˈɡʊdlʊkɪŋ/
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
Good-morrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
a social unit living together
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
inmatesnounUS /ˈɪnmeɪts/
plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
JEPHTHAH'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JEPHTHAH’S DAUGHTER.
knitverbUS /nɪt/
make (textiles) by knitting
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
latticenounUS /ˈlætəs/
an arrangement of points or particles or objects in a regular periodic pattern in 2 or 3 dimensions
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
without good reason
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
lurksverbUS /lɜːrks/
third-person singular of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
marigoldsnounUS /ˈmerəɡoʊldz/
plural of “marigold” — any of various tropical American plants of the genus Tagetes widely cultivated for their showy yellow or orange flowers
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
Martin'snounUS /ˈmɑːrtənz/
possessive form of “martin” — French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
the act of departing politely
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
pathosnounUS /ˈpeɪθɑːs/
a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
make a promise or commitment
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
reminiscencenounUS /ˌreməˈnɪsəns/
a mental impression retained and recalled from the past
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
searchedverbUS /sɜːrtʃt/
past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
speaksverbUS /spiːks/
third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
spinningnounUS /ˈspɪnɪŋ/
creating thread
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
Standish's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
thymenounUS /θaɪm/
any of various mints of the genus Thymus
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
wearinessnounUS /ˈwɪrinəs/
temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
change directions as if revolving on a pivot
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
at the time that
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
belonging to which person
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
wovenadjectiveUS /ˈwoʊvən/
made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
yarnnounUS /jɑːrn/
the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading The door of Standish’s cottage stood wide, and between it and the lattice opening upon the sea, letting in the sweet breath of marigolds and thyme basking in the southern sun, Barbara stepped lightly back and forth, spinning from her great wheel the fine yarn that would be woven or knit into the winter garments of the household.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
yearningnounUS /ˈjɜːrnɪŋ/
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading St. Martin’s summer was in the land; that lovely parting smile of the year, so full of love, so full of reminiscence and of promise, so full of pathos and of that vague yearning that lies at the core of every heart, and which I fancy Bossuet means when he speaks of “the inexorable weariness which lurks at the foundations of all our lives.”
but in spite of that
From this reading A shadow across the floor made her turn, quick yet fearless as a bird building in a tree above a house whose inmates never have threatened it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A tall, good-looking young man stood in the doorway, and with his eyes searched the room before he said,-- “Good-morrow, dame.
