used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
basketsnounUS /ˈbæskəts/
plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
BlakenounUS /bleɪk/
visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
cakenounUS /keɪk/
a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
ChesternounUS /ˈtʃestər/
a city of southeastern Pennsylvania on the Delaware river (an industrial suburb of Philadelphia)
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
chiffonnounUS /ʃɪˈfɑːn/
a sheer fabric of silk or rayon
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
chocolatenounUS /ˈtʃɔːklət/
a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
contrastedverbUS /kənˈtræstəd/
past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
put on clothes
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
elaboratelyadverbUS /ɪˈlæbrətli/
with elaboration
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
fairsnounUS /ferz/
plural of “fair” — a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
festivitynounUS /feˈstɪvəti/
any joyous diversion
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
the act of departing
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
gownsnounUS /ɡaʊnz/
plural of “gown” — a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
Janet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
ladenadjectiveUS /ˈleɪdən/
filled with a great quantity
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
Mildred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
oddlyadverbUS /ˈɑːdli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
and nothing more
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
palestadjectiveUS /ˈpeɪləst/
superlative of “pale” — very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
Phyllis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
potnounUS /pɑːt/
metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
pouringadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/
flowing profusely
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
RECTORYnounUS /ˈrektəri/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
renewingadjectiveUS /rɪˈnuːɪŋ/
tending to impart new life and vigor to
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
rivaledverbUS /ˈraɪvəld/
past form of “rival” — be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
sandwichesnounUS /ˈsændwɪtʃɪz/
plural of “sandwich” — two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
satinnounUS /ˈsætən/
a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
truthfuladjectiveUS /ˈtruːθfəl/
expressing or given to expressing the truth
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading Mrs. Blake sat at one end pouring tea, and Mildred and Alice took turns with the chocolate pot at the other.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
weddingsnounUS /ˈwedɪŋz/
plural of “wedding” — the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Miss Carter dressed in the palest of gray satin gowns was busy renewing her many acquaintances, and Janet and Phyllis were the center of a laughing group of girls and boys.
at the time that
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Phyllis had on a dainty afternoon dress of dark blue chiffon, which contrasted oddly with the more elaborately made summer dresses on the other girls.
which person or people
From this reading Mrs. Blake had not been entirely truthful when she had said that she was not going to give a real party, for the people who walked in and out of the two rooms gave an air of festivity that was rivaled only by fairs and weddings in Old Chester.
in the company of; together with
From this reading AT THE RECTORY FOR TEA The dining-room table at the rectory was laden with sandwiches and baskets of cake.
