used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
(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 Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
in addition
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
a youthful male person
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
BricknounUS /brɪk/
rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
buyingnounUS /ˈbaɪɪŋ/
the act of buying
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
centsnounUS /sents/
plural of “cent” — a fractional monetary unit of several countries
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
chocolatenounUS /ˈtʃɔːklət/
a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
dollarnounUS /ˈdɑːlər/
the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
eighty-fiveadjective
being five more than eighty
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
excursionsnounUS /ɪkˈskɜːrʒənz/
plural of “excursion” — a journey taken for pleasure
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
a social unit living together
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
festivalnounUS /ˈfestəvəl/
a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
flourishverbUS /ˈflɜːrɪʃ/
grow vigorously
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
frostyadjectiveUS /ˈfrɔːsti/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
Jackie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
lamenounUS /leɪm/
someone who doesn't understand what is going on
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
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 There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
of an obscure nature
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
pastingverbUS /ˈpeɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “paste” — join or attach with or as if with glue
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
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 Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
proudlyadverbUS /ˈpraʊdli/
with pride; in a proud manner
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
pursenounUS /pɜːrs/
a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
scrap-book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
self-denialnoun
the trait of practicing self discipline
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
shoppingnounUS /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ/
searching for or buying goods or services
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
in the near future
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
sticksnounUS /stɪks/
plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
in or at that place or location
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
a special situation
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The Big Brick House seemed particularly full of this happy spirit of the season.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He also spent much time at a little table in his own room, cutting out pictures and pasting them into a scrap-book for a little lame boy of his acquaintance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
unitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
warmingadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːrmɪŋ/
imparting heat
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Jackie showed a sudden and severe self-denial in the matter of sticks of pure chocolate, and was soon, therefore, able to proudly flourish a purse containing, he told his mother, "a dollar all but eighty-five cents," saved toward buying his presents for the family.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
whisperingnounUS /ˈwɪspərɪŋ/
a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
From this reading There were many mysterious shopping excursions, and much whispering in corners,--a thing not usual in this united family.
Yule-tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOW there came, warming the frosty heart of December, that delightful atmosphere of mystery and expectation which forms one pleasure of the great Yule-tide festival.
