used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
advertisementnounUS /ædˈvɜːrtəzmənt/
a public promotion of some product or service
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
in addition
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
a cherished desire
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
Bride'snounUS /braɪdz/
possessive form of “bride” — a woman who has recently been married
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
BridegroomnounUS /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/
a man who has recently been married
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
ChoosingverbUS /ˈtʃuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
comparativeadjectiveUS /kəmˈperətɪv/
relating to or based on or involving comparison
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
conventionaladjectiveUS /kənˈvenʃənəl/
following accepted customs and proprieties
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
FurnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
giftsnounUS /ɡɪfts/
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
givernounUS /ˈɡɪvər/
someone who devotes himself completely
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
groovenounUS /ɡruːv/
a long narrow furrow cut either by a natural process (such as erosion) or by a tool (as e.g. a groove in a phonograph record)
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
increasingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/
becoming greater or larger
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
go away from a place
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
luxurynounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəri/
something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
engage in
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
monotonousadjectiveUS /məˈnɑːtənəs/
tediously repetitious or lacking in variety
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
mustard-pots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/
something offered (as a proposal or bid)
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
perennialadjectiveUS /pərˈeniəl/
lasting three seasons or more
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
PresentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/
plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
proportionatelyadverbUS /prəˈpɔːrʃənətli/
to a proportionate degree
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
routinenounUS /ruːˈtiːn/
an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
salt-cellars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
have in common
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
SuppliesnounUS /səˈplaɪz/
plural of “supply” — an amount of something available for use
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
required or under orders
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
taxverbUS /tæks/
levy a tax on
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading There is also too much routine in the choice of the gifts themselves.
vulgarising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
wedding-present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
weddingsnounUS /ˈwedɪŋz/
plural of “wedding” — the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading It seems a pity that there should be so much vulgarising advertisement about what are supposed to be private weddings.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading _Wedding Presents--Choosing and Furnishing the House--What the Bridegroom Supplies--The Bride's Share in the Matter._ Wedding Presents.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With the increasing luxury and love of display that marks modern life the wedding-present tax, as I have heard it called, becomes a burden proportionately heavy to the social ambition of the giver.
