used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
afternoonsnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
plural of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
(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 She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
Alwynne's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As she told Elsbeth, she invented their memories for them.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
coachingnounUS /ˈkoʊtʃɪŋ/
the job of a professional coach
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
carefully weighed
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
consistingverbUS /kənˈsɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “consist” — originate
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
defectiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈfektɪv/
having a defect
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
developingadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpɪŋ/
relating to societies in which capital needed to industrialize is in short supply
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
ducksnounUS /dʌks/
plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
Elsbeth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As she told Elsbeth, she invented their memories for them.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
groundingnounUS /ˈɡraʊndɪŋ/
education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
ill-health
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
imaginativeadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒənətɪv/
(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
insinuatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪnjuːeɪtɪŋ/
calculated to please or gain favor
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
inventedverbUS /ˌɪnˈventəd/
past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading As she told Elsbeth, she invented their memories for them.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
lamenounUS /leɪm/
someone who doesn't understand what is going on
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/
Recollections of past events.
From this reading As she told Elsbeth, she invented their memories for them.
methodsnounUS /ˈmeθədz/
plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
pupilsnounUS /ˈpjuːpəlz/
plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
realiseverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪz/
earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
respectiveadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪv/
considered individually
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
stupiditynounUS /stuːˈpɪdɪtiː/
a poor ability to understand or to profit from experience
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
swansnounUS /swɑːnz/
plural of “swan” — stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading As she told Elsbeth, she invented their memories for them.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
unorthodoxadjectiveUS /əˈnɔːrθədɑːks/
independent in behavior or thought
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading She could be extremely patient, and had quaint and unorthodox ways of insinuating facts into her pupils' minds.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading She devoted certain afternoons in the week to coaching them, and was considered to be unusually successful in her methods.
which person or people
From this reading One of Alwynne's duties was the conduct of a small "extra" class, consisting of girls, who, for reasons of stupidity, ill-health or defective grounding, fell too far below the average of knowledge in their respective classes.
but in spite of that
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She was sufficiently imaginative to realise their difficulties, yet sufficiently young to dream of developing, in due course, all her lame ducks into swans.
