used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
how long something has existed
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
(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 Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
Amberson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
AmelianounUS /əˈmiːljə/
congenital absence of an arm or leg
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
amiableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪmiəbəl/
disposed to please
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
for the reason that
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
bestowverbUS /bɪˈstoʊ/
present
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
blandlyadverbUS /ˈblændli/
in a bland manner
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
congressmannounUS /ˈkɑːŋɡrəsmən/
a member of the United States House of Representatives
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
cotillionnoun
a ball at which young ladies are presented to society
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
cotillions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
dancersnounUS /ˈdænsərz/
plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
feelings of ardent love
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
dexteritynounUS /dekˈsterəti/
adroitness in using the hands
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
EugenenounUS /juːˈdʒiːn/
Austrian general in the service of the Holy Roman Empire during the War of the Spanish Succession (1663-1736)
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
fanverbUS /fæn/
strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
feathersnounUS /ˈfeðərz/
plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
Georgie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
graciousnessnounUS /ˈɡreɪʃəsnəs/
excellence of manners or social conduct
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
groupedadjectiveUS /ɡruːpt/
arranged into groups
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
grovenounUS /ɡroʊv/
a small growth of trees without underbrush
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
humorouslyadverbUS /ˈhjuːmərəsli/
in a humorous manner
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
impartiallyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrʃəli/
in an impartial manner
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
infallibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfæləbəl/
incapable of failure or error
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
Isabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
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 The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
MorgannounUS /ˈmɔːrɡən/
United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
negligentlyadverbUS /ˈneɡlɪdʒəntli/
in a negligent manner
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
ostrichnounUS /ˈɔːstrɪtʃ/
a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand)
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
on the contrary
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
rhythmicallyadverbUS /ˈrɪðmɪkli/
in a rhythmic manner
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
sisters-in-lawnounUS /ˈsɪstərzɪnlɔː/
plural of “sister-in-law” — the sister of your spouse
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/
plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
surrenderedverbUS /sərˈendərd/
past form of “surrender” — give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
SydneynounUS /ˈsɪdni/
the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
teensnounUS /tiːnz/
the time of life between the ages of 12 and 20
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
thoughtfullyadverbUS /ˈθɔːtfəli/
in a thoughtful manner
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
tonightadverbUS /təˈnaɪt/
On the present night.
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
tropicaladjectiveUS /ˈtrɑːpɪkəl/
relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
twentiesnounUS /ˈtwentiz/
the time of life between 20 and 30
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Fanny watched his face eagerly, laughing at everything he said; Amelia smiled blandly, but rather because of graciousness than because of interest; while Isabel, looking out at the dancers, rhythmically moved a great fan of blue ostrich feathers, listened to Eugene thoughtfully, yet all the while kept her shining eyes on Georgie.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading And here, grouped with that stately pair, Sydney and Amelia Amberson, sat Isabel with Fanny, while Eugene Morgan appeared to bestow an amiable devotion impartially upon the three sisters-in-law.
an old word meaning “to where”
From this reading They were seated in a tropical grove at one end of the room whither they had retired at the beginning of the cotillion, which they surrendered entirely to the twenties and the late ’teens.
which person or people
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.
but in spite of that
From this reading He did it negligently, tonight, yet with infallible dexterity, now and then glancing humorously at the spectators, people of his own age.
