used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
arguingnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːɪŋ/
a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
backbonenounUS /ˈbækboʊn/
a central cohesive source of support and stability
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
for the reason that
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
beratedverbUS /bɪˈreɪtɪd/
past form of “berate” — censure severely or angrily
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
compliancenounUS /kəmˈplaɪəns/
acting according to certain accepted standards
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/
past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
deliciousnessnoun
extreme appetizingness
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
descanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/
plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
divisible by two
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
influencingverbUS /ˈɪnfluːənsɪŋ/
-ing form of “influence” — have and exert influence or effect
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
engage in
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
NannounUS /næn/
your grandmother
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
not any; not one
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
NUTSadjectiveUS /nʌts/
informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
obstinatelyadverb
in a stubborn unregenerate manner
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
overturesnounUS /ˈoʊvərtʃʊrz/
plural of “overture” — orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
politeadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/
showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
prejudicesnounUS /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/
plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
refreshmentsnounUS /rəˈfreʃmənts/
plural of “refreshment” — snacks and drinks served as a light meal
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
refusalnounUS /rəˈfjuːzəl/
the act of refusing
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
SarahnounUS /ˈserə/
(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
twinnounUS /twɪn/
either of two offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
precisely as stated
From this reading Children often have very strong prejudices and are even more determined in their refusal to give them up than are their elders.
virtuousadjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːəs/
morally excellent
From this reading Mary Lee felt quite virtuous in her decision not to make friends with her relatives and often berated Nan for having no backbone and for influencing Jack.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
which person or people
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading NUTS With her usual compliance, Jean consented to go to call upon her grandmother though Mary Lee obstinately refused to make any overtures.
the basic unit of money in South Korea
From this reading Jean, however, had been won over by her twin who descanted upon the deliciousness of the refreshments offered her and upon the pretty things their grandmother might give them.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You see," said Jack to Jean in arguing the matter, "we must be polite to our elders, Aunt Sarah says, and I think we ought to be very, very nice to our grandmother because she is old.
