used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
CinderellanounUS /ˌsɪndərˈelə/
a woman whose merits were not been recognized but who then achieves sudden success and recognition
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
ClementinenounUS /ˈkleməntaɪn/
a variety of mandarin orange that is grown around the Mediterranean and in South Africa
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/
move away from a place into another direction
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
Elliott
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
Fairfields
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
FlemingnounUS /ˈflemɪŋ/
British writer famous for writing spy novels about secret agent James Bond (1908-1964)
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
GrandmanounUS /ˈɡrændmɑː/
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
hopsnounUS /hɑːps/
twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes; the dried flowers of this plant are used in brewing to add the characteristic bitter taste to beer
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
MarianadjectiveUS /ˈmeriən/
of or relating to or venerating the Virgin Mary
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
PattynounUS /ˈpæti/
small flat mass of chopped food
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
Ruth'snounUS /ruːθs/
possessive form of “ruth” — United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
seashorenounUS /ˈsiːʃɔːr/
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
Vernondale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On Christmas Eve Clementine was to give a party.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Ruth Fleming had come down from Boston to spend Christmas week with Patty, so of course she, too, was invited to the party.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was to be of the kind known as a “Cinderella party,” that is, the guests were to depart exactly at twelve o’clock.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With the exception of the hops at the seashore hotel, Patty had never been to a regular evening party, and she looked forward to the event with great delight.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Ruth’s visit had come about in this way: Patty had thought she would ask Marian to visit her on Christmas, but Aunt Alice had insisted that the Fairfields and Grandma Elliott should spend Christmas with them in Vernondale.
