used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
BatterynounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
a youthful male person
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
clothing in general
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
CONFIDENCESnounUS /ˈkɑːnfədənsɪz/
plural of “confidence” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading MUTUAL CONFIDENCES.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
employernounUS /emˈplɔɪər/
a person or firm that employs workers
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
a social unit living together
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
Julia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
for more time
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
MUTUALadjectiveUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəl/
common to or shared by two or more parties
From this reading MUTUAL CONFIDENCES.
neatadjectiveUS /niːt/
clean or organized
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
a son of your brother or sister
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
established beyond doubt
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
on the contrary
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
roundedadjectiveUS /ˈraʊndəd/
curving and somewhat round in shape rather than jagged
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
Sam'snounUS /sæmz/
possessive form of “sam” — a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
shabbilyadverb
so as to appear worn and threadbare or dilapidated
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
StocktonnounUS /ˈstɑːktən/
United States writer (1834-1902)
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
three-quartersnounUS /ˌθriːˈkwɔːrtərz/
three of four equal parts
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
up to a particular time
From this reading Julia Stockton remained outside with Sam till the boat rounded the Battery, and for three-quarters of an hour longer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
be dressed in
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
which person or people
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This leads me to explain that about a month before Sam had been presented with a neat suit of clothes, originally made for a nephew of his employer, but which had proved too small.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Thus it happened that, with the exception of his hat, which was rather the worse for wear, our hero presented quite a respectable appearance.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The reader who has followed Sam's fortunes closely may wonder how a boy so shabbily dressed as Sam, could be treated as an equal by a young lady of good family.
