used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
the state of being absent
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
(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 All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
eagerly desirous
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
carnivalnounUS /ˈkɑːrnəvəl/
a festival marked by merrymaking and processions
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
competitionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/
a business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
wanted intensely
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
downstairsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnˈsterz/
on a floor below
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
an act that fails
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
frightnounUS /fraɪt/
an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
gasnounUS /ɡæs/
the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
a social unit living together
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
indoorsadverbUS /ˈɪndɔːrz/
within a building
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
inexplicableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsplɪsəbəl/
incapable of being explained or accounted for
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
a particular point in time
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
not any; not one
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
partnersnounUS /ˈpɑːrtnərz/
plural of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
Peggy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
with low volume
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
schoolroomnounUS /ˈskuːlruːm/
a room in a school where lessons take place
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
shakenadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪkən/
disturbed psychologically as if by a physical jolt or shock
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
refrain from harming
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
surprisesnounUS /sərˈpraɪzɪz/
plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
thankfuladjectiveUS /ˈθæŋkfəl/
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading All the work had to be done upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to the others.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
on a floor above
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
wanting in physical strength
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
in or at the place that
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate nature were planned by every member of the household.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret, and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs, for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious to keep a possible failure to himself.
produce a literary work
From this reading The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and began to write.
