Chapter VIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading "How the time has flown, to be sure!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

the past participle of “be”

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the act of closing something

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

plural of “crocus” — any of numerous low-growing plants of the genus Crocus having slender grasslike leaves and white or yellow or purple flowers; native chiefly to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

opinion or judgment

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

plural of “find” — a productive insight

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading "How the time has flown, to be sure!

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

past form of “grace” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "How the time has flown, to be sure!

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

where you live at a particular time

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "How the time has flown, to be sure!

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

and nothing more

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

march in a procession

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

according to the clock

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

and nothing more

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

joining or attaching by stitches

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It doesn't seem nearly so long—at least, not to me."

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

past form of “stray” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "How the time has flown, to be sure!

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "How the time has flown, to be sure!

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"

precisely as stated

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

in or at the place that

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

which person or people

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading It was about four o'clock on a fine March afternoon, and Cousin Becky sat on a chair near the sitting-room window, her busy fingers employed in sewing, whilst occasionally her sharp dark eyes strayed from her work to the only other occupant of the room—Polly—who was reading a story-book.

an affirmative

From this reading "Yes, Cousin Becky," Polly answered, closing her book, in which she was not very interested, and coming to the window, where she stood examining a pot of crocuses, just opening into flower, which she had cherished through the winter and which now graced the window sill.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading COUSIN BECKY FINDS A HOME "Polly, do you know I have been here a month to-day?"