used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
champagnenounUS /ʃæmˈpeɪn/
a white sparkling wine either produced in Champagne or resembling that produced there
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
clashingadjectiveUS /ˈklæʃɪŋ/
sharply and harshly discordant
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
cordialadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
courtesynounUS /ˈkɜːrtəsi/
a courteous or respectful or considerate act
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
cymbalsnounUS /ˈsɪmbəlz/
plural of “cymbal” — a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
decorationsnounUS /ˌdekərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
drumsnounUS /drʌmz/
plural of “drum” — a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
(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 The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
festivitiesnounUS /feˈstɪvətiz/
plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
gaugedverbUS /ɡeɪdʒd/
past form of “gauge” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
the act of departing
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/
kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
lanternsnounUS /ˈlæntərnz/
plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
characterized by grandeur
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
neighborhood'snounUS /ˈneɪbərhʊdz/
possessive form of “neighborhood” — a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
neighborsnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
ostentationnounUS /ˌɔːstenˈteɪʃən/
a gaudy outward display
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
requiteverb
make repayment for or return something
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
Shirley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
simpleradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpələr/
comparative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
SmithsnounUS /smɪθs/
plural of “smith” — Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's hospitality with the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of champagne.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Mrs. Smith suggested a simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged his neighbors better.
sumptuousadjectiveUS /ˈsʌmptʃwəs/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
unlimitedadjectiveUS /ənˈlɪmətɪd/
having no limits in range or scope
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791
From this reading It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading This cordial friendly people had welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy returned in fitting style.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
Year'snounUS /jɪrz/
possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The Christmas festivities were to close on New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
