used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
on or to one side
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
next to; at the side of
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
bitsnounUS /bɪts/
plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
brightlyadverbUS /ˈbraɪtli/
with brightness
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
chattedverbUS /ˈtʃætəd/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
being joined in close association
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
a female human offspring
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
dearly loved
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
Dinsmore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
exertionsnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃənz/
plural of “exertion” — use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
opinion or judgment
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
brought together in one place
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
the production of eggs (especially in birds)
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
set afire or burning
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
lovinglyadverbUS /ˈlʌvɪŋli/
with fondness; with love
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
mothersnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/
plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
porchesnounUS /ˈpɔːrtʃəz/
plural of “porch” — a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
in the near future
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
cut with a saw
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
sightsnounUS /saɪts/
an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The shades of evening had begun to fall.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
Travilla
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "Not so very, papa dear," she answered, laying her head on his shoulder and smiling up into the eyes bent so lovingly upon her.
vacantadjectiveUS /ˈveɪkənt/
void of intelligence or thought
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
precisely as stated
From this reading The captain presently threw aside his paper, and taking a vacant seat on the sofa beside his daughter Grace, asked in tender tones, as he passed an arm about her and drew her close, if she felt very weary from the day's exertions.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading A cool breeze made the brightly lighted parlor more attractive than the porches, and there the older ones gathered, while the mothers saw their weary little ones to bed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The gentlemen had their newspapers, Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla their fancy work, while the four young girls, in a group by themselves, chatted and laughed together, discussing the sights and scenes through which they had passed that day, and the bits of history connected with them.
