used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
consider or hold as true
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
airingnounUS /ˈerɪŋ/
the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
(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 Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
amusingadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
Amy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
behind-hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
BethnounUS /beθ/
the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
blackenedadjectiveUS /ˈblækənd/
darkened by smoke
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
catsnounUS /kæts/
plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
dearly loved
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
doll'snounUS /dɑːlz/
possessive form of “doll” — a small replica of a person; used as a toy
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
feebleadjectiveUS /ˈfiːbəl/
pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
the act of giving
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
invalidsnounUS /ˈɪnvələdz/
plural of “invalid” — someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
Jo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
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 Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
march in a procession
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
MEADOWSnounUS /ˈmedoʊz/
plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
MegnounUS /meɡ/
the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
messesnounUS /ˈmesɪz/
plural of “mess” — a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
a form of address for a man
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
on one occasion
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
prevailverbUS /prɪˈveɪl/
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
with speed
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
in an unfortunate way
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
sewingnounUS /ˈsoʊɪŋ/
joining or attaching by stitches
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
a person who is owned by someone
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
in the near future
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
the rays of the sun
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.
treasuresnounUS /ˈtreʒərz/
plural of “treasure” — accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
well-beloved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading PLEASANT MEADOWS Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
a Caucasian
From this reading Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.
