adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
advancedadjectiveUS /ədˈvænst/
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
AmelianounUS /əˈmiːljə/
congenital absence of an arm or leg
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
approachedverbUS /əˈproʊtʃt/
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
approachingnounUS /əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
artisticadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/
relating to or characteristic of art or artists
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
avoidingverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
ball-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
cavaliersnounUS /ˌkævəˈlɪrz/
plural of “cavalier” — a gallant or courtly gentleman
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
claspedverbUS /klæspt/
past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
coquettishadjective
like a coquette
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
dancenounUS /dæns/
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
dancedverbUS /dænst/
past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
dancingnounUS /ˈdænsɪŋ/
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
endnounUS /end/
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
flyverbUS /flaɪ/
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
Francaise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
gracenounUS /ɡreɪs/
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
gracefuladjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪsfəl/
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
handsnounUS /hændz/
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
hastenounUS /heɪst/
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
ladiesnounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
minuetnounUS /mɪˌnjuːˈet/
a stately court dance in the 17th century
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
mockingadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːkɪŋ/
abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
newestadjectiveUS /ˈnuːəst/
superlative of “new” — not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
officersnounUS /ˈɔːfəsərz/
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
oppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
ParisianadjectiveUS /pərˈɪʒən/
of or relating to or characteristic of Paris or its inhabitants
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
PrincessnounUS /ˈprɪn.ses/
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
PrussiannounUS /ˈprʌʃən/
a German inhabitant of Prussia
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
pursuednounUS /pərˈsuːd/
a person who is being chased
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
saidadjectiveUS /sed/
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
silentlyadverbUS /ˈsaɪləntli/
without speaking
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
smilingnounUS /ˈsmaɪlɪŋ/
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
stepnounUS /step/
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
steppedverbUS /stept/
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
taughtverbUS /tɔːt/
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The French officers had just taught this dance to the Prussian ladies as the newest Parisian mode.
toursnounUS /tʊrz/
an industrial city in western France on the Loire River
From this reading They were pursued in artistic tours by their cavaliers; at the end of the dance their hands were clasped in each other’s, and they danced through the room with the graceful time and step of the minuet.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading She stood for a moment behind a couple who were dancing the Francaise.
Wilhelmina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Princess Wilhelmina, as we have said, did not look back; she stepped silently through the ball-room, and approached the Princess Amelia.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a graceful and coquettish dance, approaching and avoiding; the ladies stood opposite their cavaliers, and advanced with smiling grace, then appeared to fly from them in mocking haste.
