used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
accomplishmentsnounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənts/
plural of “accomplishment” — the action of accomplishing something
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
characterized by great determination
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
diversionsnounUS /dɪˈvɜːrʒənz/
plural of “diversion” — an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
put on clothes
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
Judy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
engage in
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
Matilda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The next thought was, that the street sweepers would be out.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
practising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
proverbsnounUS /ˈprɑːvərbz/
an Old Testament book consisting of proverbs from various Israeli sages (including Solomon)
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
rejoicedverbUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪst/
past form of “rejoice” — feel happiness or joy
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
sillsnounUS /sɪlz/
United States operatic soprano (born in 1929)
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading The next thought was, that the street sweepers would be out.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
sweepersnounUS /ˈswiːpərz/
plural of “sweeper” — an employee who sweeps (floors or streets etc.)
From this reading The next thought was, that the street sweepers would be out.
carry out
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
precisely as stated
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading She had meant to take a walk down town to make a purchase she had determined on; and her first thought was, how bad the walking would be now, after the dry clean streets they had rejoiced in for a week or two past.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
at the time that
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
in or at the place that
From this reading The acted proverbs that night went pretty well; so the boys said; and Matilda went to bed feeling that life was very delightful where such rare diversions were to be had, and such fine accomplishments acquired.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The day following, when she got up, Matilda was astonished to find the air thick with snow and her window sills quite filled up with it already.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The next time, Judy said, they would dress for the acting; that needed practising too.
