used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
having companions or an escort
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
CairnsnounUS /kernz/
plural of “cairn” — a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
campusnounUS /ˈkæmpəs/
a field on which the buildings of a university are situated
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
past form of “command” — be in command of
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
the act of discovering something
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
DISHEARTENINGadjectiveUS /dɪsˈhɑːrtənɪŋ/
destructive of morale and self-reliance
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
dislikenounUS /dɪˈslaɪk/
an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
DorisnounUS /ˈdɔːrəs/
(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
ginghamnounUS /ˈɡɪŋəm/
a clothing fabric in a plaid weave
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
gymnasiumnounUS /dʒɪmˈneɪziəm/
a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college; usually grades 9 to 12
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
of great significance or value
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
informverbUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrm/
impart knowledge of some fact, state of affairs, or event to
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
joltnounUS /dʒoʊlt/
a sudden jarring impact
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
Julia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
Julia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
conformity or harmony
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
Leslie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
a female domestic
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
Marjorie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
Peyton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
preferencenounUS /ˈprefərəns/
a strong liking
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
progressionnounUS /prəˈɡreʃən/
a series with a definite pattern of advance
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
resignedlyadverb
with resignation and acceptance; in a resigned manner
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
RompnounUS /rɑːmp/
an easy victory
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
rusticadjectiveUS /ˈrʌstɪk/
characteristic of rural life
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
express in words
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
sophomorenounUS /ˈsɑːfmɔːr/
a second-year undergraduate
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
toleratedverbUS /ˈtɑːləreɪtɪd/
past form of “tolerate” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading In the beginning she had tolerated resignedly Julia’s jealous preference for her society.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
triumphantlyadverbUS /traɪˈʌmfəntli/
in a triumphant manner
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
precisely as stated
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
waylaidverbUS /ˈweɪleɪd/
inflected form of “waylay” — wait in hiding to attack
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading “Whatever it may be, say it now,” Doris commanded, keeping curiosity and interest well out of her tone.
at the time that
From this reading Following the Rustic Romp she received a second jolt when Julia Peyton waylaid her on the campus to inform her triumphantly that she had something “very important to say about Miss Cairns.”
which person or people
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading During the progression of her sophomore year she had grown to dislike Julia more and more.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading A DISHEARTENING SITUATION The discovery that Marjorie was the rustic maid in the pale yellow gingham gown who had accompanied Leslie Cairns to the door of the gymnasium was a distinct shock to Doris.
