adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
afaradverbUS /əˈfɑːr/
(old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/
in the past
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
AmericannounUS /əˈmerəkən/
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
applyverbUS /əˈplaɪ/
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
associateverbUS /əˈsoʊsiət/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
attemptnounUS /əˈtempt/
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
boreverbUS /bɔːr/
cause to be bored
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
breedingnounUS /ˈbriːdɪŋ/
elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
butternounUS /ˈbʌtər/
an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
cheesenounUS /tʃiːz/
a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
clearlyadverbUS /ˈklɪrli/
without doubt or question
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
comprehendverbUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhend/
get the meaning of something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
conceptionnounUS /kənˈsepʃən/
an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
conditionsnounUS /kənˈdɪʃənz/
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
confessverbUS /kənˈfes/
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
converseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
cookedadjectiveUS /kʊkt/
having been prepared for eating by the application of heat
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
curiousadjectiveUS /ˈkjʊriəs/
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
daughtersnounUS /ˈdɔːtərz/
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
dressedadjectiveUS /drest/
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
explainverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪn/
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
fairlyadverbUS /ˈferli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
familiaradjectiveUS /fəˈmɪljər/
well known or easily recognized
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
farmer'snounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/
possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
farmersnounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/
plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
fashionsnounUS /ˈfæʃənz/
plural of “fashion” — how something is done or how it happens
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
folksnounUS /foʊks/
your parents
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
followedverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊd/
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
fortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
giveverbUS /ɡɪv/
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
graciousadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪʃəs/
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
growingnounUS /ˈɡroʊɪŋ/
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
halfadjectiveUS /hæf/
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
hiredadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪərd/
having services engaged for a fee
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
homelyadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmli/
lacking in physical beauty or proportion
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnəst/
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
householdnounUS /ˈhaʊshoʊld/
a social unit living together
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
inabilitynounUS /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/
lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
judgeverbUS /dʒʌdʒ/
determine the result of (a competition)
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
keynounUS /kiː/
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
labornounUS /ˈleɪbər/
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
ladynounUS /ˈleɪdi/
a polite name for any woman
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
literaturenounUS /ˈlɪtərətʃər/
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
livingnounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋ/
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
luxuriousadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriəs/
displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
mealsnounUS /miːlz/
plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
meantverbUS /ment/
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
menialadjectiveUS /ˈmiːniəl/
used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
NewadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
notionnounUS /ˈnoʊʃən/
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
numerousadjectiveUS /ˈnuːmərəs/
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
offadverbUS /ɔːf/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
partsnounUS /pɑːrts/
the local environment
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
piquancynoun
a tart spicy quality
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
plainnessnoun
the state of being unmixed with other material
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
pridenounUS /praɪd/
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
ReamsnounUS /riːmz/
plural of “ream” — a large quantity of written matter
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
reluctantadjectiveUS /rɪˈlʌktənt/
unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
self-respectingadjectiveUS /ˌselfrɪˈspektɪŋ/
having or showing self-esteem
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
situationnounUS /ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃən/
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
societynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
soilnounUS /sɔɪl/
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
sortnounUS /sɔːrt/
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
spiritnounUS /ˈspɪrət/
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
subjectsnounUS /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
subtletiesnounUS /ˈsʌtəltiz/
plural of “subtlety” — a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
sweetadjectiveUS /swiːt/
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
tellverbUS /tel/
express in words
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
theologynounUS /θiˈɑːlədʒi/
the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
thirtynounUS /ˈθɜːrdiː/
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
traditionaladjectiveUS /trəˈdɪʃənəl/
consisting of or derived from tradition
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
trainedadjectiveUS /treɪnd/
shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
understandverbUS /ˌʌndərˈstænd/
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
understandingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
wastedadjectiveUS /ˈweɪstɪd/
serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
wivesnounUS /waɪvz/
plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/
the act of creating written works
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
wrungverbUS /rʌŋ/
inflected form of “wring” — twist and press out of shape
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
