used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
react verbally
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
eagerly desirous
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
enjoyableadjectiveUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪəbəl/
affording satisfaction or pleasure
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
a young female
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
the act of departing
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
HardingnounUS /ˈhɑːrdɪŋ/
29th President of the United States; two of his appointees were involved in the Teapot Dome scandal (1865-1823)
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
inditing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
immediately past
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
legibleadjectiveUS /ˈledʒəbəl/
(of handwriting, print, etc.) capable of being read or deciphered
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
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 So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
mistakesnounUS /mɪˈsteɪks/
plural of “mistake” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
Mouseyadjective
infested with mice
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
a form of address for a man
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
not any; not one
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
notepapernoun
writing paper intended for writing short notes or letters
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
nowadaysnounUS /ˈnaʊədeɪz/
the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
many times at short intervals
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
ROBERT'SnounUS /ˈrɑːbərts/
possessive form of “robert” — United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
satisfactorilyadverbUS /ˌsætɪˈsfæktrəli/
in a satisfactory manner
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
express in words
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/
plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
spellingnounUS /ˈspelɪŋ/
forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
spoiltadjective
having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Meanwhile, the little girl was having a most enjoyable time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
a source of difficulty
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
at the time that
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Mousey wondered if Mr. Harding would write in reply; but when several days passed without her getting an answer, she came to the conclusion that she was not going to hear from him, and was greatly disappointed.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading So she spoilt many sheets of notepaper before she succeeded in inditing a letter which she thought would do; but at last one was satisfactorily finished.
produce a literary work
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
the act of creating written works
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading COUSIN ROBERT'S LETTER THE first letter Mousey wrote to Mr. Harding caused her a great deal of trouble.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She was anxious that there should be no mistakes in the spelling, and that the writing should be particularly legible, for she had often heard her cousin say that children were not taught to write plainly nowadays as they had been when he was young, and she was fearful lest he should think her education had been neglected in that respect.
