used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
(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 Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
a youthful male person
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
brightestadjectiveUS /ˈbraɪtəst/
superlative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
castingnounUS /ˈkæstɪŋ/
object formed by a mold
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
a young person of either sex
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
crestfallenadjectiveUS /ˈkrestfɔːlən/
brought low in spirit
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
defeatnounUS /dɪˈfiːt/
an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
disclosedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskloʊzd/
made known (especially something secret or concealed)
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
DucklingnounUS /ˈdʌklɪŋ/
flesh of a young domestic duck
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
envynounUS /ˈenvi/
a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
fair-hairedadjective
favorite
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
firelightnoun
the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
brought together in one place
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
heavedverbUS /hiːvd/
past form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
not accessible to view
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
a message received and understood
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
set down according to a plan
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
by chance
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
protectingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
RustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/
covered with or consisting of rust
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
softeradjectiveUS /ˈsɑːftər/
comparative of “soft” — yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
not in physical motion
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
trampnounUS /træmp/
a vagrant
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
trampsnounUS /træmpz/
plural of “tramp” — a vagrant
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
displeasing to the senses
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
uncouthadjectiveUS /ˈʌnˈkuːθ/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a striking picture, that of the fair-haired child, sitting in the red glow of the firelight, and reading a fairy tale to the rough men crowded about him, their uncouth figures half disclosed and half hidden in the dusky shadows.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
at the time that
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
in or at the place that
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
which person or people
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Close behind the big tramp, who was his father, sat the boy with whom Arthur had fought, still looking sullen and crestfallen over his recent defeat, and occasionally casting glances of mingled envy and hate at his rival.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Then all the tramps gathered as near to him as they could, and Arthur, sitting where the firelight shone brightest, with one hand laid protectingly on little Rusty, opened his precious book, and read the first story he came to, which happened to be that of “The Ugly Duckling.”
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Arthur said he would gladly read to the tramps if they cared to hear him, and at the same time he wondered what valuable information the man could possibly give him.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading As the tale proceeded, his hard, young face took on a softer expression, and when it was finished he heaved a great sigh.
