used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
(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 IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
Alora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
aristocratnounUS /ərˈɪstəkræt/
a member of the aristocracy
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
babyhoodnounUS /ˈbeɪbihʊd/
the early stage of growth or development
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
the lower side of anything
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
broken-legged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
a young person of either sex
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
gotten under control
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
crackedadjectiveUS /krækt/
used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
dressernounUS /ˈdresər/
furniture with drawers for keeping clothes
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
environmentnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
the totality of surrounding conditions
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
a young female
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
introductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/
the act of beginning something new
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
luxurynounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəri/
something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
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 The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
not any; not one
From this reading Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
protestnounUS /ˈproʊtest/
a formal and solemn declaration of objection
From this reading Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest.
rearedverbUS /rɪrd/
past form of “rear” — stand up on the hind legs, of quadrupeds
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
cut with a saw
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
shabbinessnoun
a lack of elegance as a consequence of wearing threadbare or dirty clothing
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
successive (without a break)
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
STUDIOnounUS /ˈstuːdioʊ/
workplace for the teaching or practice of an art
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
tawdrinessnoun
tasteless showiness
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest.
tipsnounUS /tɪps/
plural of “tip” — the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
toesnounUS /toʊz/
plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
the upper part of anything
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/
radically distinctive and without equal
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
precisely as stated
From this reading The very fact that her father's humble flat was "different" made it far more interesting to the child than new apartments such as she had been accustomed to.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
which person or people
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
in the company of; together with
From this reading IN THE STUDIO The fact that it was beginning to grow dark prevented Alora from observing all the tawdriness of her new home and what she saw inspired her more with curiosity than dismay.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one straight chair with a wooden bottom and a broken-legged dresser over which hung a cracked mirror.
but in spite of that
From this reading The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of her toes; this introduction to shabbiness was unique, nor could she yet understand that such surroundings were familiar to many who battle for existence in a big city.
