Chapter XIII · Christmas

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading It was a very big dinner, and there was no absolute breach of the peace.

happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

how long something has existed

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

(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 While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

a quantity of money

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

the act of praying for divine protection

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

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

From this reading It was a very big dinner, and there was no absolute breach of the peace.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises

From this reading It was a very big dinner, and there was no absolute breach of the peace.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

a disorderly outburst or tumult

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

plural of “connection” — a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

a word used in exclamations of confusion

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

plural of “division” — an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

a social unit living together

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

the act of departing

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

compatibility in opinion and action

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

not liable to or capable of change

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

a form of address for a man

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

not any; not one

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

many times at short intervals

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading It was a very big dinner, and there was no absolute breach of the peace.

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

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

a full supply

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

any competition

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

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

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

move an implement through

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

plural of “symbol” — an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

carry out

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

causing difficulty or annoyance

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

plural of “type” — a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

not giving satisfaction

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

precisely as stated

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

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

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.

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

From this reading In such a family as the Vernons, the turkey and the pudding are unsatisfactory symbols--a return to the rude elements of plenty which were employed by a more primitive age; and though it certainly was an excitement for the Miss Vernon-Ridgways, and Mr. Mildmay Vernon and Mrs. John, to be invited to dinner, it was by no means invariable that their feast improved the harmony of these much separated divisions of the family.

during the time that

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

in a wise manner

From this reading Dickens did wisely in finding his types of Christmas felicity among people to whom an accidental turkey is a benediction from heaven, and the mystery of the pudding has not lost its freshness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading While all these agitations were going on, it came to be Christmas, with the usual stir and commotion always produced in a large family and connections, by that often troublesome festival.

but in spite of that

From this reading The amount of reality in the rejoicings may be very doubtful, but yet there must be a family gathering, and the different branches of the race must seem to take kindly to it whatever may be their private sentiments.