used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
experiencing a sudden sense of danger
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
have
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
Bear-father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
Bear-kitchen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
Bjornson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
contrivancenounUS /kənˈtraɪvəns/
a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
cunninglyadverb
in an attractive manner
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
denseadjectiveUS /dens/
permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
a movement into or inward
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/
plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
every person
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
a social unit living together
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
ForestersnounUS /ˈfɔːrəstərz/
plural of “forester” — English writer of adventure novels featuring Captain Horatio Hornblower (1899-1966)
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
fortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
where you live at a particular time
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
a social unit living together
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
inconveniencesnounUS /ˌɪnkənˈviːnjənsɪz/
plural of “inconvenience” — an inconvenient discomfort
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
KnutnounUS /knʌt/
king of Denmark and Norway who forced Edmund II to divide England with him; on the death of Edmund II, Canute became king of all England (994-1035)
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
to a great degree or extent
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
neatlyadverbUS /ˈniːtli/
with neatness
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
neighbourhoodnounUS /ˈneɪbərhʊd/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
many times at short intervals
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
Otto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
a course of conduct
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
pinenounUS /paɪn/
a coniferous tree
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
respectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪd/
receiving deferential regard
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
roofedadjectiveUS /ruːft/
covered with a roof; having a roof as specified (often used in combination)
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
rungnounUS /rʌŋ/
a crosspiece between the legs of a chair
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
SwedennounUS /ˈswiːdən/
a Scandinavian kingdom in the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
thicketnounUS /ˈθɪkɪt/
a dense growth of bushes
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two Bjornson children, Knut and Otto, led a very happy life in the forest.
unfrequentedadjective
devoid of creatures
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
precisely as stated
From this reading In the very heart of a great forest in Sweden lived a Bear family, called "Bjornson."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/
marked by repeated turns and bends
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
wirenounUS /ˈwaɪər/
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Their house was built of large stones, neatly roofed with pine branches, and was reached by a winding path through the rocks, the entrance to which had become covered by a dense thicket of bushes.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading They were much respected throughout the whole neighbourhood, for they were kind and hospitable to everyone; and as their home was in such an unfrequented part of the country they were able often to give entertainments which it was quite safe to attend without fear of Foresters or other human inconveniences.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A small wire had been cunningly arranged by the Bear-father, so that in the event of any stranger entering the door a bell would be rung in the Bear-kitchen; but so far the household had fortunately never been alarmed by this contrivance.
