Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

later than; following

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

(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 THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

plural of “arch” — a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

plural of “bee” — any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

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

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

plural of “breeze” — a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

plural of “cake” — a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

clothing in general

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

delicately beautiful

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

Swedish oceanographer who recognized the role of the Coriolis effect on ocean currents (1874-1954)

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

more quickly

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

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

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

a social unit living together

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

reflecting the fear or terror of one who is hunted

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

in an idle manner

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

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

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

plural of “morsel” — a small quantity of anything

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

not any; not one

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

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

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

coated with paint

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

United States civil rights leader who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery (Alabama) and so triggered the national Civil Rights movement (born in 1913)

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

plural of “quay” — wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

the work of a sailor

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

past form of “scrape” — scratch repeatedly

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

the season of growth

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

plural of “steamer” — a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

the capital and largest city of Sweden; located in southern Sweden on the Baltic

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

possessive form of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

-ing form of “swirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

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

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

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

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

plural of “throng” — a large gathering of people

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

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

From this reading THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

plural of “tongue” — a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading Their tongues had flown fast, their fingers faster; they had hunted up old clothes, old books, old games; and had added one package after another to the contents of a big box that stood in the corner of the pleasant living-room.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

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

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

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 THE SURPRISE BOX All day long the gentle breezes blowing through the city streets, and the bright sun shining on the sparkling water of Lake Mälar, called to the children that spring had come in Stockholm.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Great cakes of ice went floating through the arches of the bridge across the Norrström, and gray gulls, sailing up from the bay, darted down to the swirling water to find dainty morsels for their dinner.

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

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!

in the company of; together with

From this reading But in the Ekman household Gerda and Birger had been as busy as bees all day, with no thought for the dancing blue water and the shining blue sky.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The little steamers which had been lying idly at the quays all winter were being scraped and painted, and made ready for their summer's work; children were playing in the parks; throngs of people filled the streets;--spring was in the air!