used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
acheverbUS /eɪk/
feel physical pain
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
advancementnounUS /ədˈvænsmənt/
encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of something
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
aglowadjectiveUS /əˈɡloʊ/
softly bright or radiant
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
completely unclothed
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
a game played with playing cards
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
a young person of either sex
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He felt very lonely.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He felt very lonely.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
intelligibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəbəl/
capable of being apprehended or understood
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading It interested him to wonder.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
a narrow way or road
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
immediately past
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading He felt very lonely.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
mantel-piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
parcelnounUS /ˈpɑːrsəl/
a wrapped container
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
established beyond doubt
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
rememberingnounUS /rɪˈmembərɪŋ/
the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
be seated
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
stacknounUS /stæk/
an orderly pile
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
stinginessnounUS /ˈstɪndʒinɪs/
a lack of generosity; a general unwillingness to part with money
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading We are quite sure it is "advancement," though it looks a little like stinginess.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
unacknowledgedadjective
not recognized or admitted
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
precisely as stated
From this reading He felt very lonely.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Something of the Christmas spirit descended on him--the true, the unacknowledged Christmas spirit, in which, after we have directed the last stack of cards, and hurried out aglow with the last parcel, we sit before the bare mantel-piece, discovering that most of our acquaintances have become too advanced to observe the season.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading It interested him to wonder.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He wondered, as he entered the lane, whether the other child he was remembering would have proved a disappointment too; wondered if the ache in his heart would be intelligible to her, or if he would appear to her absurd.
