used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
(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 She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Helena Van Troyen was among the lookers-on.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
assignmentnounUS /əˈsaɪnmənt/
a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces)
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
assortmentnounUS /əˈsɔːrtmənt/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
benefactionnoun
a contribution of money or assistance
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
daintier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
endeavoredverbUS /ɪnˈdevərd/
past form of “endeavor” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
expectantadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektənt/
marked by eager anticipation
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
HelenanounUS /ˈhelənə/
capital of the state of Montana; located in western Montana
From this reading Helena Van Troyen was among the lookers-on.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
lookers-on
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Helena Van Troyen was among the lookers-on.
lounged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
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 This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
pausesnounUS /ˈpɔːzəz/
plural of “pause” — a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
a full supply
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
presentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/
plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
not in physical motion
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
carry out
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
to-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She still endeavored to-night to take an interest in it all.
tranquiladjectiveUS /ˈtræŋkwəl/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
Troyen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Helena Van Troyen was among the lookers-on.
Ursula
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
being of use or service
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading Helena Van Troyen was among the lookers-on.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A big tree had to be decorated, and plenty of useful presents were awaiting assortment and assignment.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading CHRISTMAS EVE That evening every one was to help Ursula in the arrangement of her Christmas entertainment; but, as usual, a couple of willing spirits did the work, and the rest lounged about and talked.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading This Christmas benefaction had been a long source of tranquil enjoyment to the young wife through the expectant autumn weeks; she had made many of the presents herself in the pauses from daintier work.
