used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
adaptedadjectiveUS /əˈdæptɪd/
changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
(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 IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
arraynounUS /ərˈeɪ/
an orderly arrangement
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
birthdaynounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
celebrationnounUS /ˌseləˈbreɪʃən/
a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
unvarying in nature
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
festivitiesnounUS /feˈstɪvətiz/
plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
garmentsnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənts/
plural of “garment” — an article of clothing
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
Gertie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
illuminationnounUS /ˌɪluːməˈneɪʃən/
a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
lanternsnounUS /ˈlæntərnz/
plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
lustrenounUS /ˈlʌstər/
a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
ManornounUS /ˈmænər/
the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
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 Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
merry-making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used to form the superlative
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
of an obscure nature
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
and nothing more
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
Peggy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
RectorynounUS /ˈrektəri/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
refurbishingverbUS /riˈfɜːrbɪʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “refurbish” — make brighter and prettier
From this reading But what puzzled me most was the refurbishing of an enormous array of old lanterns—not adapted to illumination or calculated to add lustre to the festivities of the day.
rehearsalsnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəlz/
plural of “rehearsal” — a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
requisitionnounUS /ˌrekwəˈzɪʃən/
the act of requiring; an authoritative request or demand, especially by a military or public authority that takes something over (usually temporarily) for military or public use
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
cut with a saw
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
sewingnounUS /ˈsoʊɪŋ/
joining or attaching by stitches
From this reading Peggy’s aid was called in to help in the cutting and sewing of many mysterious garments.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Only I saw great signs of preparation in progress both at the Rectory and the Manor House.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
carry out
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
in or at that place or location
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Music, too, I saw was to be held in requisition, for there was a sound of constant rehearsals in the Rectory and Manor House drawing-rooms.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
which person or people
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading IT was Gertie’s birthday at the Rectory, and there was a sound of merry-making in the air, but what form it would take was held a secret from all of us who were not required to take an active part in its celebration.
