used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
united by being of the same opinion
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
AshtonnounUS /ˈæʃtən/
British choreographer (1906-1988)
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
Ashton'snounUS /ˈæʃtənz/
possessive form of “ashton” — British choreographer (1906-1988)
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
choirnounUS /ˈkwaɪər/
a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
Christmas-eve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
congregationnounUS /ˌkɑːŋɡrəˈɡeɪʃən/
a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
someone who is a detective
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
embarrassmentnounUS /ɪmˈberəsmənt/
the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
enviableadjectiveUS /ˈenviəbəl/
causing envy
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
EsthernounUS /ˈestər/
(Old Testament) a beautiful Jewess chosen by the king of Persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia (an event celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim)
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
Esther's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
divisible by two
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
opinion or judgment
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
the act of giving
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
not accessible to view
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
nervousnessnounUS /ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/
the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
not any; not one
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
the state of being held in high esteem and honor
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
deliver by singing
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
solonounUS /ˈsoʊloʊ/
any activity that is performed alone without assistance
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
a special situation
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
vocationnounUS /voʊˈkeɪʃən/
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading But church music must have been Esther’s real vocation, for no matter how large the congregation nor how difficult her song she never felt any of her old nervousness and embarrassment.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading In spite of the fact that Boston is one of the most musical of American cities and Esther the most modest of persons, even in so short a time her beautiful voice had given her an enviable reputation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
which person or people
From this reading The entire number of guests who had been together at Esther’s and Dick Ashton’s Christmas-eve dinner, agreed to be at church the following morning in order to hear Esther sing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For one thing she was partly hidden behind the choir screen, so she need not fear that critical eyes were upon her; she could be alone with her music and something that was stronger and higher than herself.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The papers in giving notice of the morning service had mentioned the fact that the solo would be given by Mrs. Richard Ashton.
