used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
alleviatingverbUS /əˈliːvieɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “alleviate” — provide physical relief, as from pain
From this reading But even so, it had its alleviating circumstances.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
anticipationnounUS /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/
an expectation
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
approvalnounUS /əˈpruːvəl/
the formal act of approving
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
BITSnounUS /bɪts/
plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
Blunderbussnoun
a short musket of wide bore with a flared muzzle
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
causingnounUS /ˈkɑːzɪŋ/
the act of causing something to happen
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading But even so, it had its alleviating circumstances.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
COMMENCEMENTnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
commentnounUS /ˈkɑːment/
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
discouragingadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒɪŋ/
depriving of confidence or hope or enthusiasm and hence often deterring action
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
the act of discovering something
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
in a serious manner
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
Eastman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
Eleanor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
divisible by two
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
Ferris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
Ferris's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
gauntadjectiveUS /ɡɔːnt/
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
gossipnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəp/
light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But even so, it had its alleviating circumstances.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
heartyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrti/
showing warm and heartfelt friendliness
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
helpfulnessnoun
the property of providing useful assistance
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
loomverbUS /luːm/
come into view indistinctly, often threateningly
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
problemsnounUS /ˈprɑːbləmz/
plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
remindernounUS /riˈmaɪndər/
a message that helps you remember something
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
responsibilitynounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
senioradjectiveUS /ˈsiːnjər/
older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
have in common
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
shelteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃeltərd/
protected from danger or bad weather
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
skeletonnounUS /ˈskelətən/
something reduced to its minimal form
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
sorrowfuladjectiveUS /ˈsɑːroʊfəl/
experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
tactfullyadverbUS /ˈtæktfəli/
showing tact or tactfulness; in a tactful manner
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
carry out
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
theftsnounUS /θefts/
plural of “theft” — the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
WalesnounUS /weɪlz/
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; during Roman times the region was known as Cambria
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
at the time that
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading One was Miss Ferris's hearty approval of the way in which Betty and Eleanor had managed their discovery, and another was Jean Eastman's unexpected attitude of helpfulness.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading She assumed her full share of responsibility, discouraging gossip and speculation about the thefts as earnestly and tactfully as Betty herself, and taking her turn of watching the Blunderbuss at the times when Miss Ferris couldn't follow her without causing too much comment.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading It stood out in the midst of the happy leisure and anticipation of senior week like a skeleton at the feast,--a gaunt reminder that even the sheltered little world of college must now and then take its share of the strange and sorrowful problems that loom so much larger in the big world outside.
but in spite of that
From this reading BITS OF COMMENCEMENT But Betty Wales couldn't forget it yet.
