used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
blankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
carpenternounUS /ˈkɑːrpəntər/
a woodworker who makes or repairs wooden objects
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
Culmnoun
stem of plants of the Gramineae
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
dinginessnoun
discoloration due to dirtiness
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
elegancenounUS /ˈeləɡəns/
a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
at any time
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
faithfullyadverbUS /ˈfeɪθfəli/
in a faithful manner
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading THE WORK FINISHED.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
gratifyingadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪɪŋ/
pleasing to the mind or feeling
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
laborsnounUS /ˈleɪbərz/
plural of “labor” — a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
a unit of instruction
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
lessonsnounUS /ˈlesənz/
plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
engage in
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
modelsnounUS /ˈmɑːdəlz/
plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
Noll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
and nothing more
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
make a painting
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
patchyadjectiveUS /ˈpætʃi/
irregular or uneven in quality, texture, etc.
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
a human being
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
repairedverbUS /rɪˈperd/
past form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
Sampson's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WORK FINISHED.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
warmernounUS /ˈwɔːrmər/
device that heats water or supplies warmth to a room
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
weather-beatenadjective
tanned and coarsened from being outdoors
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
whitewashnounUS /ˈwaɪtwɑːʃ/
a defeat in which the losing person or team fails to score
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
in the company of; together with
From this reading The days went by,--busy enough for Noll with lessons and the afternoon lesson at Culm,--and John Sampson's labors began to draw to a close.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading THE WORK FINISHED.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The carpenter had worked steadily and faithfully, and the result was a gratifying one to more than one person.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If they could only have a coat of paint or whitewash to make them look fresh and cheerful, what an improvement it would be!
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading True, the houses were not models of elegance; that was not needed; and they _did_ look somewhat patchy, with here and there a fresh new board over the old weather-beaten gray of the dwelling, and new doors staring blank and yellow out of the dinginess of their surroundings; but, if they were not handsome, they were thoroughly repaired and now stood warmer and more comfortable than any of the present generation of Culm people had ever known them.
