used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
arrangementsnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənts/
plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
the two together, not just one
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
completingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtɪŋ/
acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
eighteenadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːn/
being one more than seventeen
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
fashionableadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənəbəl/
being or in accordance with current social fashions
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
gownsnounUS /ɡaʊnz/
plural of “gown” — a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading Moreover, they were spending more money than they should in the effort.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Moreover, they were spending more money than they should in the effort.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, they were spending more money than they should in the effort.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
originnounUS /ˈɔːrədʒən/
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
participate in games or sport
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
with low volume
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
get by special effort
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Moreover, they were spending more money than they should in the effort.
smartadjectiveUS /smɑːrt/
showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
in the near future
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
spendingnounUS /ˈspendɪŋ/
the act of spending or disbursing money
From this reading Moreover, they were spending more money than they should in the effort.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
stairwaynounUS /ˈsterweɪ/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Moreover, they were spending more money than they should in the effort.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading From their conversation it soon became evident that they were of plain origin and making a desperate effort to secure a place for themselves among the “smart set” in New York City.
twenty-onenounUS /ˈtwentiwɔːn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty and one
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
in or at the place that
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within a few moments two girls wearing dainty tea gowns, stole quietly down the stairway and stood in the center of the stage, discussing their approaching entertainment.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading The first scene of the play opened upon a handsome New York drawing room, where preparations were evidently being made for a ball, for the room was filled with flowers, and servants were seen walking in and out, completing the final arrangements.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading They were both pretty and fashionable young women, evidently about eighteen and twenty-one.
