Chapter I

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

plural of “actress” — a female actor

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

later than; following

From this reading After all, I’m trying for a part, too.”

the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

(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 I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

plural of “call” — a telephone connection

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

object formed by a mold

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

without stop or interruption

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the process whereby a protein molecule assumes its intricate three-dimensional shape

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

someone who resides in the same house with you

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After all, I’m trying for a part, too.”

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

and nothing more

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

a narrow way or road

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

(of grains especially rice) having the husk or outer layers removed

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

used to form the superlative

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

and nothing more

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading After all, I’m trying for a part, too.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

plural of “role” — the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

in a rueful manner

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Peggy’s friend and housemate, Amy Preston, smiled in agreement and said, “It’s not an easy business, honey, is it?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “With only nine roles to be filled,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter how good these people are; most of them just haven’t got a chance.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading After all, I’m trying for a part, too.”

hard to endure

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I can’t help feeling sorry for them—for all of us, I mean.

which person or people

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “First casting calls are so difficult,” Peggy Lane said, looking ruefully at the fifty or more actresses and actors who milled about nervously, chatting with one another, or sat on the few folding chairs trying to read.