adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
bentnounUS /bent/
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
bosomnounUS /ˈbʊzəm/
the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
brightestadjectiveUS /ˈbraɪtəst/
superlative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
brooknounUS /brʊk/
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
butterflyverbUS /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/
flutter like a butterfly
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
capnounUS /kæp/
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
colorsnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a flag that shows its nationality
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
concealedadjectiveUS /kənˈsiːld/
not accessible to view
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
cowslipnounUS /ˈkaʊslɪp/
early spring flower common in British isles having fragrant yellow or sometimes purple flowers
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
crueltynounUS /ˈkruːlti/
a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
doublet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
ElfnounUS /elf/
(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
embroideredverbUS /emˈbrɔɪdərd/
past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
fairadjectiveUS /fer/
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
FairiesnounUS /ˈferiz/
plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
FairynounUS /ˈferi/
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
Fairy-Land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
flowernounUS /ˈflaʊər/
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
flutteringnounUS /ˈflʌtərɪŋ/
the motion made by flapping up and down
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
fortunenounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃən/
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
gallantadjectiveUS /ˈɡælənt/
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
gayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
gayest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
greennounUS /ɡriːn/
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
layverbUS /leɪ/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
LILY-BELL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
lovedadjectiveUS /lʌvd/
held dear
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
mantlenounUS /ˈmæntəl/
the cloak as a symbol of authority
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
OnceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
playverbUS /pleɪ/
participate in games or sport
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
plumeverbUS /pluːm/
rip off; ask an unreasonable price
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
purplenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəl/
a purple color or pigment
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
restingverbUS /ˈrestɪŋ/
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
rockingverbUS /ˈrɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
seekverbUS /siːk/
try to get or reach
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
selfishnessnounUS /ˈselfɪʃnəs/
stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
spreadverbUS /spred/
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
talenounUS /teɪl/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
THISTLEDOWN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
thornsnounUS /θɔːrnz/
plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
threadsnounUS /θredz/
informal terms for clothing
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
thusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
toldverbUS /toʊld/
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
vine-leaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
wentverbUS /went/
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
windnounUS /waɪnd/
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her story:— “As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
wingnounUS /wɪŋ/
a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
From this reading Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
woreverbUS /wɔːr/
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Once upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune.
