used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And yet there was a difference--a very vital difference.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
amitynounUS /ˈæmɪti/
a cordial disposition
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
confined by bonds
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
clashesnounUS /ˈklæʃɪz/
plural of “clash” — a loud resonant repeating noise
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
From this reading And yet there was a difference--a very vital difference.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
dove's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
Emily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
fairnessnounUS /ˈfernəs/
conformity with rules or standards
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
grown-ups
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
harmlessness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/
compatibility in opinion and action
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
of great significance or value
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
a unit of instruction
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
held up in the air
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
lookoutnounUS /ˈlʊkaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
mingleverbUS /ˈmɪŋɡəl/
to bring or combine together or with something else
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
misunderstandingnounUS /ˌmɪsəndərˈstændɪŋ/
putting the wrong interpretation on
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
MurraynounUS /ˈmɜːri/
British classical scholar (born in Australia) who advocated the League of Nations and the United Nations (1866-1957)
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Elizabeth Murray had learned an important lesson--that there was not one law of fairness for children and another for grown-ups.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
proportionsnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃənz/
plural of “proportion” — the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
reconciliationnounUS /ˌrekənsɪliˈeɪʃən/
the reestablishing of cordial relations
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
Identical; not different.
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
serpent'snounUS /ˈsɜːrpənts/
possessive form of “serpent” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
with low volume
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
express in speech
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
precisely as stated
From this reading And yet there was a difference--a very vital difference.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/
urgently needed; absolutely necessary
From this reading And yet there was a difference--a very vital difference.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But the truth was that things went on pretty much the same as before.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading Emily went softly, and tried to mingle serpent’s wisdom and dove’s harmlessness in practical proportions, but their points of view were so different that there were bound to be clashes; they did not speak the same language, so there was bound to be misunderstanding.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading WHEN THE CURTAIN LIFTED It would be pleasant to be able to record that after the reconciliation in the lookout Emily and Aunt Elizabeth lived in entire amity and harmony.
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet there was a difference--a very vital difference.
