AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
BillynounUS /ˈbɪli/
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
BostonnounUS /ˈbɑːstən/
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
Club-president's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
coachverbUS /koʊtʃ/
teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
comeverbUS /kʌm/
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
concernedadjectiveUS /kənˈsɜːrnd/
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/
past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
coursenounUS /kɔːrs/
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
cuesnounUS /kjuːz/
plural of “cue” — an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
despairnounUS /dɪˈsper/
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
dressverbUS /dres/
put on clothes
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
EachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
eighteenthadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the seventeenth in position
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
else's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
engagedadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒd/
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
fearsomeadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrsəm/
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
feverishadjectiveUS /ˈfiːvərɪʃ/
marked by intense agitation or emotion
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
forgotverbUS /fərˈɡɑːt/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
friendnounUS /frend/
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
frightenedadjectiveUS /ˈfraɪtənd/
made afraid
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/
usually; as a rule
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
halfadjectiveUS /hæf/
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
hallnounUS /hɔːl/
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
hurrynounUS /ˈhɜːri/
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
husbandnounUS /ˈhʌzbənd/
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
managernounUS /ˈmænədʒər/
someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
nearness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
nervousadjectiveUS /ˈnɜːrvəs/
easily agitated
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
nineteenthadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪnˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the eighteenth in position
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
operettanounUS /ˌɑːpərˈetə/
a short amusing opera
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
partsnounUS /pɑːrts/
the local environment
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
performersnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmərz/
plural of “performer” — an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
piecenounUS /piːs/
a separate part of a whole
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
prettyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪti/
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
promptlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmptli/
with little or no delay
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
realadjectiveUS /riːl/
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
rehearsalnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəl/
a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
rehearsalsnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəlz/
plural of “rehearsal” — a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
schoolnounUS /skuːl/
an educational institution
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
seventeenthadjectiveUS /ˈsevənˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the sixteenth in position
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
sister-in-law-a
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
sixteenthadjectiveUS /sɪkˈstiːnθ/
coming next after the fifteenth in position
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
spasmsnounUS /ˈspæzəmz/
plural of “spasm” — a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
stagenounUS /steɪdʒ/
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
successnounUS /səkˈses/
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
theatrenounUS /ˈθiːətər/
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
ThenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, on the evening of the nineteenth, came the final dress rehearsal on the stage of the pretty little hall that had been engaged for the performance of the operetta.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading At her appearance the performers--promptly thrown into nervous spasms by this fearsome nearness to the “real thing”--forgot half their cues, and conducted themselves generally like frightened school children on “piece day,” much to their own and every one else's despair.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Each afternoon and every evening saw rehearsals in whole, or in parts.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading A friend of the Club-president's sister-in-law-a woman whose husband was stage manager of a Boston theatre--had consented to come and “coach” the performers.
worryverbUS /ˈwɜːri/
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading The sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth of February were, for Billy, and for all concerned in the success of the operetta, days of hurry, worry, and feverish excitement, as was to be expected, of course.
