AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
AbyssiniannounUS /æbˈsɪniːən/
a small slender short-haired breed of African origin having brownish fur with a reddish undercoat
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
AmericannounUS /əˈmerəkən/
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
amountnounUS /əˈmaʊnt/
a quantity of money
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
AndeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
bnounUS /biː/
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
booknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
botanies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
cnounUS /siː/
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
childnounUS /tʃaɪld/
a young person of either sex
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
child'snounUS /tʃaɪldz/
possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
companionnounUS /kəmˈpænjən/
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
comprehensionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhenʃən/
an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
cultivationnounUS /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/
socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
descriptionnounUS /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
eightadjectiveUS /eɪt/
being one more than seven
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
encyclopediasnounUS /ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpiːdiəz/
plural of “encyclopedia” — a reference work (often in several volumes) containing articles on various topics (often arranged in alphabetical order) dealing with the entire range of human knowledge or with some particular specialty
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
exclaimsverbUS /ɪkˈskleɪmz/
third-person singular of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
gottenverbUS /ˈɡɑːtən/
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
GrassesnounUS /ˈɡræsəz/
plural of “grass” — narrow-leaved green herbage: grown as lawns; used as pasture for grazing animals; cut and dried as hay
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
handedadjectiveUS /ˈhændəd/
having or involving the use of hands
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
investigateverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪt/
investigate scientifically
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
invitedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtəd/
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
knowverbUS /noʊ/
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
labornounUS /ˈleɪbər/
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
librariannounUS /laɪˈbreriːən/
a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
manifestlyadverbUS /ˈmænəfestli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
otherwiseadverbUS /ˈʌðərwaɪz/
in other respects or ways
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
politicaladjectiveUS /pəˈlɪtəkəl/
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
printnounUS /prɪnt/
the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
privilegesnounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒəz/
plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
reasonablyadverbUS /ˈriːzənəbli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
religiousadjectiveUS /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
rosesnounUS /ˈroʊzɪz/
plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
shapenounUS /ʃeɪp/
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
socialadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəl/
relating to human society and its members
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
teachernounUS /ˈtiːtʃər/
a person whose occupation is teaching
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
technicaladjectiveUS /ˈteknɪkəl/
of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A book on the cultivation of roses is handed her.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
unfitadjectiveUS /ənˈfɪt/
below the required standards for a purpose
From this reading The topic Grasses is manifestly unfit for children, since grasses are difficult to study, and the description of them in encyclopedias and botanies is too technical.
usableadjectiveUS /ˈjuːzəbəl/
capable of being put to use
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
wantsnounUS /wɑːnts/
plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
warnounUS /wɔːr/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
WarsnounUS /wɔːrz/
plural of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
WhynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Her companion, looking over, exclaims, "Why she wants the Wars of the roses!"
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The same librarian was invited to provide something on American privileges; whether social, religious, political, or otherwise, the child did not know. (b) The teacher should be reasonably sure that there is on the topic something in print, in usable shape, that can be gotten at with a reasonable amount of labor. (c) The subject when found should be within the child's comprehension.
year-old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An eight- year-old had to investigate the Abyssinian war.
