used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
archesnounUS /ˈɑːrtʃəz/
plural of “arch” — a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
asceticismnoun
the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
brownstonenounUS /ˈbraʊnstoʊn/
a reddish brown sandstone; used in buildings
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
chasteadjectiveUS /tʃeɪst/
morally pure (especially not having experienced sexual intercourse)
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
churchesnounUS /ˈtʃɜːrtʃɪz/
plural of “church” — one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
clashnounUS /klæʃ/
A violent confrontation or disagreement between opposing forces or factions.
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
clatternounUS /ˈklætər/
a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
without doubt or question
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
ColonialadjectiveUS /kəˈloʊniəl/
of or relating to or characteristic of or inhabiting a colony
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
coloredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
COMPLICATIONSnounUS /ˌkɑːmpləˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “complication” — the act or process of complicating
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
ConnecticutnounUS /kəˈnetəkət/
a New England state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
definedadjectiveUS /dɪˈfaɪnd/
clearly characterized or delimited
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
diminutiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/
very small
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
ElmsnounUS /elmz/
plural of “elm” — any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
exclusiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/
not divided or shared with others
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
communicated in words
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
foreign-populated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
Hadley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
high-pillared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
hilltopnounUS /ˈhɪltɑːp/
the peak of a hill
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
individualitynounUS /ˌɪndɪvɪdʒuːˈælɪti/
the quality of being individual
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
inspectverbUS /ˌɪnˈspekt/
look over carefully
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
leisurelyadverbUS /ˈliːzərli/
in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
a room where books are kept
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
most important element
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
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 Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
MassachusettsnounUS /ˌmæsəˈtʃuːsəts/
a state in New England; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
MemorialnounUS /məˈmɔːriəl/
a recognition of meritorious service
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
attach to a support
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
muddy-guttered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
nasturtium-flavored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
scholasticadjectiveUS /skəˈlæstɪk/
of or relating to schools
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
an educational institution
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
in an aggressive manner
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
simplicitynounUS /sɪmˈplɪsəti/
the quality of being simple or uncompounded
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
smoky-scented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
TiconderoganounUS /taɪˌkɑːndərˈoʊɡə/
a pitched battle in which American revolutionary troops captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The nasturtium-flavored individuality of the town stood in clearly defined contrast to the clash and clatter of muddy-guttered, smoky-scented, foreign-populated paper cities farther down the Connecticut.
townsnounUS /taʊnz/
plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
trionounUS /ˈtriːoʊ/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading FIRST COMPLICATIONS I “The Elms” school for girls consisted of a trio of high-pillared Colonial buildings on the main street of Mount Hadley, Massachusetts.
the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
at the time that
From this reading They stood behind lofty arches of towering trees that were old when Washington passed through to inspect Ticonderoga.
a Caucasian
From this reading From its diminutive brownstone Memorial library to its chaste white churches, it expressed simplicity, asceticism, grace and dignified charm.
wide-verandahed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mount Hadley had an atmosphere possessed by many scholastic, hilltop New England towns,—wide-verandahed, leisurely, sharply colored, exclusive.
