adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
activeadjectiveUS /ˈæktɪv/
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
anxiouslyadverbUS /ˈæŋkʃəsli/
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
BecauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
berriesnounUS /ˈberiz/
plural of “berry” — any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits; used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
biddenverbUS /ˈbɪdɪn/
inflected form of “bid” — propose a payment
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
bountifuladjectiveUS /ˈbaʊntɪfəl/
given or giving freely
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
busieradjectiveUS /ˈbɪziər/
comparative of “busy” — actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
cheerfuladjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪrfəl/
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
ChristmasnounUS /ˈkrɪsməs/
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
ClemencynounUS /ˈklemənsi/
good weather with comfortable temperatures
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
composurenounUS /kəmˈpoʊʒər/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
dancing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
engagedadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒd/
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
everywhereadverbUS /ˈevriwer/
to or in any or all places
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
facenounUS /feɪs/
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
fearfullyadverb
in fear
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
feetnounUS /fiːt/
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
fleetingadjectiveUS /ˈfliːtɪŋ/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
floorsnounUS /flɔːrz/
plural of “floor” — the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
garlanded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
glanceverbUS /ɡlæns/
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
gleamedverbUS /ɡliːmd/
past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
GracenounUS /ɡreɪs/
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
greennounUS /ɡriːn/
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
guestsnounUS /ɡests/
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
hollynounUS /ˈhɑːli/
any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
hungverbUS /hʌŋ/
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
leavesnounUS /liːvz/
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
lovelier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
ManyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
Marion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
monthnounUS /mʌnθ/
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
musiciansnounUS /mjuːˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
noiselesslyadverb
without a sound
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
paler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
peepingverbUS /ˈpiːpɪŋ/
-ing form of “peep” — look furtively
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
presidedverbUS /prɪˈzaɪdɪd/
past form of “preside” — act as president
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
provisionnounUS /prəˈvɪʒən/
a stipulated condition
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
rednounUS /red/
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
seasonnounUS /ˈsiːzən/
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
spreadverbUS /spred/
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
sturdyadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrdi/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
sweetadjectiveUS /swiːt/
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
unusedadjectiveUS /əˈnjuːzd/
not yet used or soiled
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading She saw her paler, perhaps, than usual; but there was a sweet composure on her face that made it lovelier than ever.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
welcomeverbUS /ˈwelkəm/
accept gladly
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful provision made, of every hospitable kind.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading It was a busy day for all of them: a busier day for none of them than Grace, who noiselessly presided everywhere, and was the cheerful mind of all the preparations.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it; and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from among the leaves.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and almost fearfully, at Marion.
