used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
(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 Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
conveniencenounUS /kənˈviːnjəns/
the state of being suitable or opportune
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
a young female
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
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 Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
NannounUS /næn/
your grandmother
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
Nan'snounUS /nænz/
possessive form of “nan” — your grandmother
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
not any; not one
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
many times at short intervals
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
PattynounUS /ˈpæti/
small flat mass of chopped food
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
Patty'snounUS /ˈpætiz/
possessive form of “patty” — small flat mass of chopped food
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
persuadeverbUS /pərˈsweɪd/
win approval or support for
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
recreationnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
refrainedverbUS /rɪˈfreɪnd/
past form of “refrain” — resist doing something
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
sacrificingverbUS /ˈsækrəfaɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “sacrifice” — endure the loss of
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
an educational institution
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
in the near future
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
hard to endure
From this reading Instead of trying to persuade Patty not to study so hard, she did all she could to keep the study hours free from interruption.
unselfishlyadverb
in an unselfish manner
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
walksnounUS /wɔːks/
plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
at the time that
From this reading Many a time when Nan wanted Patty's company or assistance, she refrained from telling her so, and unselfishly left the girl to herself as much as possible.
wistfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɪstfəl/
showing pensive sadness
From this reading This went on for a time, but Patty was, after all, of a sensitive and observing nature, and she soon discovered, by a certain wistful expression on Nan's face, or a tone of regret in her voice, that she was often sacrificing her own convenience to Patty's.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading BUSY DAYS Nan was as good as her word.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The result of this was that Patty gave herself up to her books and her school work to such an extent that she allowed herself almost no social recreation, and took little or no exercise beyond her walks to and from school.
