used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
BurnhamnounUS /ˈbɜːrnəm/
United States architect who designed the first important skyscraper with a skeleton (1846-1912)
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
without stop or interruption
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Such paragons do not exist.”
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/
plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
existverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪst/
have an existence, be extant
From this reading “Such paragons do not exist.”
factorynounUS /ˈfæktəri/
a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
a young female
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
in a gradual manner
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
healthfuladjectiveUS /ˈhelθfəl/
conducive to good health of body or mind
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
illustratedverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪtəd/
past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
judgingnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ/
the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
listenernounUS /ˈlɪsənər/
someone who listens attentively
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
Marion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Such paragons do not exist.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
paragons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Such paragons do not exist.”
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
by chance
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
a full supply
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
reading-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
SalomenounUS /səˈloʊmi/
woman whose dancing beguiled Herod into giving her the head of John the Baptist
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
only a very short time before
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “Such paragons do not exist.”
express a supposition
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
in or at that place or location
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
weeklynounUS /ˈwiːkli/
a periodical that is published every week (or 52 issues per year)
From this reading And then, there must be weekly entertainments, and perhaps a hall.”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
in or at the place that
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “I shall have a large and pleasant parlor with a piano and a comfortable reading-room,” Salome continued, as though not hearing; “I don’t suppose the girls, judging from what I hear and see of them, will care much for reading at first; but if I put plenty of light, healthful literature in their way, with illustrated books and good pictures on the walls, they will gradually come to like them.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “And would scarcely be appreciated by the average factory girl if they did,” added Burnham, smiling at Marion.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You will have to have her made to order, Salome,” interrupted Marion from the sofa where she had been an interested listener.
