Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

the two together, not just one

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

plural of “bud” — a partially opened flower

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

rid of obstructions

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading Whoever saw it first cried out, "I see the star!"

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Whoever saw it first cried out, "I see the star!"

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

past form of “grieve” — feel grief

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Whoever saw it first cried out, "I see the star!"

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

the force of workers available

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

not any; not one

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

many times at short intervals

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

full of fun and high spirits

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

plural of “playmate” — a companion at play

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

move upward

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

cut with a saw

From this reading Whoever saw it first cried out, "I see the star!"

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

try to get or reach

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

plural of “speck” — a very small spot

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

having a supporting base

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

at the time that

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

in or at the place that

From this reading And often they cried out both together, knowing so well when it would rise, and where.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Whoever saw it first cried out, "I see the star!"

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading It was larger and more beautiful, they thought, than all the others, and every night they watched for it, standing hand in hand at a window.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading For, said they, the buds are the children of the flowers, and the little playful streams that gambol down the hill-sides are the children of the water; and the smallest bright specks playing at hide and seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more.