used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
bobbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
callersnounUS /ˈkɔːlərz/
plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
CarolnounUS /ˈkærəl/
joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
datesnounUS /deɪts/
plural of “date” — the specified day of the month
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
recognizable; marked
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/
being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
downrightadverbUS /ˈdaʊnraɪt/
thoroughgoing
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
being one more than seventeen
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
many times at short intervals
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
hurtingnounUS /ˈhɜːrtɪŋ/
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
make reference to
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
used to form the superlative
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
a form of address for a man
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
nosinessnounUS /ˈnoʊzinəs/
offensive inquisitiveness
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
and nothing more
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
phasenounUS /feɪz/
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
PresbyteriannounUS /ˌpresbɪˈtɪriən/
a follower of Calvinism as taught in the Presbyterian Church
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
slyadjectiveUS /slaɪ/
marked by skill in deception
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
StarrnounUS /stɑːr/
rock star and drummer for the Beatles (born in 1940)
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
studentsnounUS /ˈstuːdənts/
plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
twinsnounUS /twɪnz/
(mineralogy) two interwoven crystals that are mirror images on each other
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
unannouncedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈnaʊnst/
without warning or announcement
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He bobbed up unannounced in most unexpected places and at most unexpected hours.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And it was along about this time that Mr. Starr developed a sudden interest in the evening callers at his home.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
at the time that
From this reading The girls discussed this new phase of his character when they were alone, but decided not to mention it to him, for fear of hurting his feelings.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He walked about the house with a sharp sly look in his eyes, in a way that could only be described as Carol said, by "downright nosiness."
a late time of life
From this reading THE END OF FAIRY Now that the twins had attained to the dignity of eighteen years, and were respectable students at the thoroughly respectable Presbyterian college, they had dates very frequently.
