used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
appealedverbUS /əˈpiːld/
past form of “appeal” — take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
arbitraryadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrbətreri/
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
coaxingadjectiveUS /ˈkoʊksɪŋ/
pleasingly persuasive or intended to persuade
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
decisionsnounUS /dɪˈsɪʒənz/
plural of “decision” — the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
characterized by great determination
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
every person
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
with resolute determination
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
Frederica
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
usually; as a rule
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
gentleradjectiveUS /ˈdʒentlər/
comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
in a grave and sober manner
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
engage in
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
modifyverbUS /ˈmɑːdəfaɪ/
make less severe or harsh or extreme
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
motherlyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌðərli/
befitting a mother; warm and nurturing
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
obedientadjectiveUS /oʊˈbiːdiənt/
dutifully complying with the commands or instructions of those in authority
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
on one occasion
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
and nothing more
From this reading Everybody was kind to them, and much was done to make their Christmas, not only a merry one, but a happy one.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
on the contrary
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
Identical; not different.
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
Selina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
sister'snounUS /ˈsɪstərz/
possessive form of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
softenverbUS /ˈsɑːfən/
make (images or sounds) soft or softer
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
teachableadjectiveUS /ˈtiːtʃəbəl/
ready and willing to be taught
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
a special situation
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
trustfuladjective
inclined to believe or confide readily; full of trust
From this reading Frederica was careful and troubled over them and their future often; Selina was trustful and cheerful always, and not afraid.
upheldverbUS /əpˈheld/
inflected form of “uphold” — keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
under normal conditions
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
(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 It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading They were obedient and teachable usually; but they now and then appealed from her rather arbitrary rule to the gentler rule of Selina; and the way in which she used to soften and modify her sister's decisions, while she gravely and firmly upheld her sister's authority with their brothers, was a pretty thing to see.
which person or people
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was the same with the little lads.
the words that are spoken
From this reading It was Frederica who assumed authority over them; and her little motherly ways and words, at once coaxing and determined, generally answered well with them.
