used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
airsnounUS /erz/
affected manners intended to impress others
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
blottedverbUS /ˈblɑːtəd/
inflected form of “blot” — dry (ink) with blotting paper
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
carriagesnounUS /ˈkærɪdʒɪz/
plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
countingnounUS /ˈkaʊntɪŋ/
the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
the specified day of the month
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
the act of departing
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
desirableadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
worth having or seeking or achieving
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
at any time
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
a social unit living together
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
fixingnounUS /ˈfɪksɪŋ/
the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
gleenounUS /ɡliː/
great merriment
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
a quick look
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
grandparentsnounUS /ˈɡrændperənts/
plural of “grandparent” — a parent of your father or mother
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
housewifelyadjective
related or suited to a housewife
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
hungeringverbUS /ˈhʌŋɡərɪŋ/
-ing form of “hunger” — feel the need to eat
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
IonnounUS /ˈaɪən/
a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
held dear
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
mamma's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
matronnounUS /ˈmeɪtrən/
a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
neighboringadjectiveUS /ˈneɪbərɪŋ/
having a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
not any; not one
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
an organization to gain political power
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
separationnounUS /ˌsepərˈeɪʃən/
the state of lacking unity
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
statingverbUS /ˈsteɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “state” — express in words
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
create by training and teaching
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
unpleasantest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
precisely as stated
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
Viamede
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
welcomingadjectiveUS /ˈwelkəmɪŋ/
very cordial
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
in or at the place that
From this reading At length a letter was received, fixing the date of the intended departure from Viamede, and stating by what train the party would probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved travellers.
the words that are spoken
From this reading "Here are a few of the unpleasantest words that ever blotted paper."
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading They had been extremely happy in each other during almost the whole time of separation from the rest; but now they were hungering for a sight of "mamma's sweet face," and would by no means object to a glimpse of those of grandparents, sisters, and children.
Zoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Edward and Zoe now began to look forward to the return of the family as a desirable event not very far in the future.
