used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
carpentersnounUS /ˈkɑːrpəntərz/
plural of “carpenter” — a woodworker who makes or repairs wooden objects
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
costumesnounUS /kɑːˈstuːmz/
plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
crudeadjectiveUS /kruːd/
not carefully or expertly made
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
devisingnounUS /dɪˈvaɪzɪŋ/
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
effectiveadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪv/
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
FridaynounUS /ˈfraɪdi/
the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
helpingnounUS /ˈhelpɪŋ/
an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
hinderverbUS /ˈhɪndər/
be a hindrance or obstacle to
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
Jessie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
jollyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
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 Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
MargueritenounUS /ˌmɑːrɡərˈiːt/
tall leafy-stemmed Eurasian perennial with white flowers; widely naturalized; often placed in genus Chrysanthemum
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
Marjorie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
Millicent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
MollynounUS /ˈmɑːli/
popular aquarium fish
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
not any; not one
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
paintingnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/
graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
PERFORMANCEnounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
participate in games or sport
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
propertiesnounUS /ˈprɑːpərtiz/
plural of “property” — something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
scenerynounUS /ˈsiːnəri/
the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
scenicadjectiveUS /ˈsiːnɪk/
used of locations; having beautiful natural scenery
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
strange-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
stunningadjectiveUS /ˈstʌnɪŋ/
commanding attention
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
required or under orders
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THE great day drew near.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
hard to endure
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
the act of using
From this reading Jessie and Marguerite were devising stunning costumes and strange-looking “properties,” the use of which no one could guess.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
precisely as stated
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The play was to be presented on Friday evening, and much was to be done by way of preparation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
which person or people
From this reading Uncle Ned and two carpenters were building a stage in the parlor, which, though small, was a jolly little affair; and Aunt Molly, who was a bit of an artist, was painting some crude but effective scenery.
workersnounUS /ˈwɜːrkərz/
plural of “worker” — a person who works at a specific occupation
From this reading Betty was supposed to be helping Uncle Ned, and Marjorie and Millicent were trying to help the scenic artist; but if their assistance wasn’t very valuable, they at least knew enough not to hinder the head workers.
