used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
ajaradjectiveUS /əˈdʒɑːr/
slightly open
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
(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 In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
AuthorsnounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
BarrienounUS /ˈbæri/
Scottish dramatist and novelist; created Peter Pan (1860-1937)
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
Barrie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
make right or correct
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
damagenounUS /ˈdæmədʒ/
the occurrence of a change for the worse
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
Dhrum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The Motor Maid." etc.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
FairylandnounUS /ˈferilænd/
something existing solely in the imagination (but often mistaken for reality)
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
frivolousadjectiveUS /ˈfrɪvələs/
not serious in content or attitude or behavior
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
garretnounUS /ˈɡerɪt/
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
a young female
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
grandmothernounUS /ˈɡrændmʌðər/
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
HepburnnounUS /ˈhepbərn/
United States film actress who appeared in many films with Spencer Tracy (1907-2003)
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
HerculesnounUS /ˈhɜːrkjəliːz/
(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
housekeepernounUS /ˈhaʊskiːpər/
a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
irritatingadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtɪŋ/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
MacDonalds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
a female domestic
From this reading "The Motor Maid." etc.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
MotornounUS /ˈmoʊtər/
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading "The Motor Maid." etc.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
MuirnounUS /mjʊr/
United States naturalist (born in England) who advocated the creation of national parks (1838-1914)
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
not any; not one
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
OuteradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
praisedverbUS /preɪzd/
past form of “praise” — express approval of
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
Identical; not different.
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
cut with a saw
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
having a supporting base
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
not in physical motion
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
in or at that place or location
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
a special situation
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For the first time in her life, Barrie saw the door that led to the garret stairs standing ajar.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
VirginianounUS /vərˈdʒɪnjə/
a state in the eastern United States; one of the original 13 colonies; one of the Confederate States in the American Civil War
From this reading Authors of "The Guests of Hercules," "The Princess Virginia."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was always, always locked, as is correct, though irritating, for a door that leads to Fairyland.
well-brought-up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
whopping-cough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
From this reading In Barrie's Outer Life that her grandmother knew, and Miss Hepburn knew, and Mrs. Muir the housekeeper knew, there was--Heaven be praised!--no romance at all; for romance is an evil thing, still worse, a frivolous thing, which may be avoided for a well-brought-up girl though whopping-cough may not; and already this same evil had wrought vast damage among the MacDonalds of Dhrum.
