used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
AlleynounUS /ˈæli/
a narrow street with walls on both sides
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
approvedadjectiveUS /əˈpruːvd/
established by authority; given authoritative approval
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
BirdieverbUS /ˈbɜːrdi/
shoot in one stroke under par
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
brought into existence
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
CalvarynounUS /ˈkælvəri/
a hill near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
cultivateverbUS /ˈkʌltəveɪt/
foster the growth of
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
causing or capable of causing death
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
discriminatingadjectiveUS /dɪˈskrɪməneɪtɪŋ/
showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment especially in matters of taste
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
disturbinglyadverbUS /dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋli/
in a disturbing manner
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
diversionsnounUS /dɪˈvɜːrʒənz/
plural of “diversion” — an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
drainingadjectiveUS /ˈdreɪnɪŋ/
having a debilitating effect
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
dregsnounUS /dreɡz/
sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
environsnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənz/
the area in which something exists or lives
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
factorynounUS /ˈfæktəri/
a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
famishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
a young female
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
gulpverbUS /ɡʌlp/
to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
IDLENESSnounUS /ˈaɪdəlnəs/
having no employment
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
of great significance or value
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
juniorsnounUS /ˈdʒuːnjərz/
plural of “junior” — term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
monotonynounUS /məˈnɑːtəni/
the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
NancenounUS /næns/
offensive term for a homosexual man
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
paradisenounUS /ˈperədaɪs/
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
a human being
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
savoredverbUS /ˈseɪvərd/
past form of “savor” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
cut with a saw
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
an educational institution
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
seniorsnounUS /ˈsiːnjərz/
plural of “senior” — an undergraduate student during the year preceding graduation
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
side-step
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
Smelts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
soarverbUS /sɔːr/
rise rapidly
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
sordidadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːrdəd/
morally degraded
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
stage-land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
thirstnounUS /θɜːrst/
a physiological need to drink
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Birdie might not be approved of her seniors, but she was a disturbingly important person to her juniors.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To them it seemed nothing short of genius for a girl, born as they were in the sordid environs of Calvary Alley, to side-step school and factory and soar away into the paradise of stage-land.
at the time that
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
in or to any place at all
From this reading IDLENESS When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The necessity of draining the dregs of life before the wine is savored does not cultivate a discriminating taste.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Nance saw in Birdie Smelts her one chance of escape from the deadly monotony of life, and she seized it with both hands.
