used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
the state of being absent
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
how long something has existed
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
being joined in close association
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
balanceverbUS /ˈbæləns/
bring into balance or equilibrium
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
BaldwinnounUS /ˈbɔːldwən/
United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
chatterverbUS /ˈtʃætər/
click repeatedly or uncontrollably
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The coming move was the most important piece of news.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
developmentsnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənts/
plural of “development” — act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
divisible by two
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
brought together in one place
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
governessnounUS /ˈɡʌvərnəs/
a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
Hayslope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
holidaysnounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪz/
plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
of great significance or value
From this reading The coming move was the most important piece of news.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
introduceverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːs/
cause to come to know personally
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
Isabelle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
the act of departing
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The coming move was the most important piece of news.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The coming move was the most important piece of news.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading The coming move was the most important piece of news.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
past form of “pour” — cause to run
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
regretsnounUS /rɪˈɡrets/
a polite refusal of an invitation
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
carry out
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The excitement of the children over any change was enough in this instance at least to balance their regrets at leaving Hayslope.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
precisely as stated
From this reading Miss Baldwin never seemed to take much interest in the news they poured out to her, and she asked very few questions; but she had gathered a good deal by the time her charges were in bed and her time was her own to think it over.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
welcomingadjectiveUS /ˈwelkəmɪŋ/
very cordial
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
at the time that
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
which person or people
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her return after holidays was always greeted with welcoming chatter by Alice and Isabelle, who were of an age when even the arrival of a governess to whom they were not greatly attached was something of an excitement.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading THE NEW CHAPTER Miss Baldwin came back to Hayslope after the Christmas holidays not without hopes of developments having taken place during her absence, which would introduce the new chapter she was longing for.
