used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After that Reggie was silent.
(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 Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
arguedverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːd/
past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
argumentsnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjəmənts/
plural of “argument” — a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
put or pin the blame on
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the lower side of anything
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
carefully weighed
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
croupnounUS /kruːp/
a disease of infants and young children; harsh coughing and hoarseness and fever and difficult breathing
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
decreedadjectiveUS /dɪˈkriːd/
fixed or established especially by order or command
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
Ellen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
frighteningadjectiveUS /ˈfraɪtənɪŋ/
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
grimlyadverbUS /ˈɡrɪmli/
in a grim implacable manner
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
heroinenounUS /ˈheroʊən/
the main good female character in a work of fiction
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
and nothing more
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
longedverbUS /lɔːŋd/
past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
naughtyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔːti/
suggestive of sexual impropriety
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
easily agitated
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
on one occasion
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
Phyllis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
prostrationnounUS /prɑːˈstreɪʃən/
an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
protestingverbUS /prəˈtestɪŋ/
-ing form of “protest” — utter words of protest
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
established beyond doubt
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the act of punishing
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
puzzleverbUS /ˈpʌzəl/
be a mystery or bewildering to
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
quenchedadjective
allayed
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
radiantadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdiːənt/
radiating or as if radiating light
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
on the contrary
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
Reggie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
remarkingverbUS /rɪˈmɑːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
Identical; not different.
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
in a serious manner
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
shockinglyadverbUS /ˈʃɑːkɪŋli/
extremely
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading After that Reggie was silent.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
slapverbUS /slæp/
hit with something flat, like a paddle or the open hand
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
stayingverbUS /ˈsteɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
unavailingadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈveɪlɪŋ/
producing no result or effect
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
precisely as stated
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was three days later, and Reggie was sitting up in bed doing a picture puzzle.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
which person or people
From this reading He was quite aware of the fact that he had been shockingly naughty, and at the bottom of his heart was really very much ashamed of his conduct, but at the same time it didn't seem quite fair that he should be having all the blame and all the punishment, while Phyllis--who had really been just as much to blame as himself--was treated as quite the heroine of the hour, and went about with such a radiant expression of countenance that he sometimes longed to slap her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Reggie had argued the subject long and seriously with both his mother and Ellen, protesting that he had never felt less like staying in bed in his life, but all his arguments had proved unavailing, and had been finally quenched by his father's remarking rather grimly, that he considered an attack of croup and three days spent in bed, a very light punishment for nearly frightening his mother into nervous prostration.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading The attack of croup had been a sharp one, but the worst was now over, although it had been decreed that the patient should spend another day in bed before being allowed to go about the usual business of life once more.
