used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
in addition
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
Amidon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
beggingnounUS /ˈbeɡɪŋ/
a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
bellesnounUS /belz/
plural of “belle” — a young woman who is the most charming and beautiful of several rivals
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
boonnounUS /buːn/
a desirable state
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
dancersnounUS /ˈdænsərz/
plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
dearly loved
From this reading "Jack is such a dear," thought Sylvia.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
in a serious manner
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
encouragementnounUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/
the expression of approval and support
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
opinion or judgment
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
promote over another
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
friendlinessnounUS /ˈfrendlinɪs/
a feeling of liking for another person; enjoyment in their company
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Jack is such a dear," thought Sylvia.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
a small worthless amount
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
From this reading "He is a real knight.
a narrow way or road
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
partner'snounUS /ˈpɑːrtnərz/
possessive form of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
a human being
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading "He is a real knight.
scoredverbUS /skɔːrd/
past form of “score” — gain points in a game
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
shyverbUS /ʃaɪ/
start suddenly, as from fright
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading "Jack is such a dear," thought Sylvia.
Sylvia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "Jack is such a dear," thought Sylvia.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/
past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading So it happened also that Sylvia, being whirled past the two, smiled happy gratitude at Jack over her partner’s shoulder, and he knew that his careless kindness to her little guest had scored him a high mark in her favor.
in the company of; together with
From this reading So it happened that a few moments later shy little Mary Lane watching the dancers with longing eyes from a corner caught her breath with astonishment and delight as Jack Amidon stood before her, his eyes smiling encouragement and friendliness, his lips begging the boon of a dance quite as earnestly as if she had been one of the belles of the ball.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
workadayadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrkədeɪ/
found in the ordinary course of events
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading I wonder if I am all wrong to try to turn him into a plain workaday person.
