used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
abjectadjectiveUS /ˈæbdʒekt/
of the most contemptible kind
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
in actual fact
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
Brodie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
by-street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
Camberwell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
dirtyadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
disordernounUS /dɪˈsɔːrdər/
a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
disputedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈpjuːtəd/
subject to disagreement and debate
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
Evarne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
fastidiousnessnoun
the trait of being meticulous about matters of taste or style
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
attach to a support
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
the possibility of future success
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
rabbitsnounUS /ˈræbəts/
plural of “rabbit” — any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
rentedverbUS /ˈrentɪd/
past form of “rent” — let for money
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
residingverbUS /rɪˈzaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “reside” — make one's home in a particular place or community
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
in a vehement outcry
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
squalornounUS /ˈskwɑːlər/
sordid dirtiness
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
STITCHnounUS /stɪtʃ/
a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing
From this reading "STITCH, STITCH, STITCH!"
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
swarmingverbUS /ˈswɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
ThreadingverbUS /ˈθredɪŋ/
-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
the upper part of anything
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
uncarpetedadjective
not carpeted
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
unseemlyadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːmli/
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
warrennounUS /ˈwɔːrən/
United States writer and poet (1905-1989)
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "My room is on the top floor," explained Miss Brodie, as the first landing was gained.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Despite the knowledge that any feelings of fastidiousness were now entirely unseemly and out of place, Evarne could not avoid a certain dismay at the prospect of actually residing amid such abject poverty, disorder and squalor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The house in which Miss Jean Brodie rented a single room stood in a by-street in the heart of Camberwell.
which person or people
From this reading Threading their way between the swarming dirty children, who shouted and played and disputed on every side, numerous as rabbits in a warren, they entered a dark, narrow passage and proceeded to mount the uncarpeted stairs.
