used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
bedsnounUS /bedz/
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
blotsnounUS /blɑːts/
plural of “blot” — a blemish made by dirt
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
cannanoun
any plant of the genus Canna having large sheathing leaves and clusters of large showy flowers
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
dancesnounUS /ˈdænsəz/
plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
a female human offspring
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
dinnersnounUS /ˈdɪnərz/
plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
Evelyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
formallyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrməli/
with official authorization
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
hillsidenounUS /ˈhɪlsaɪd/
the side or slope of a hill
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
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 Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
the force of workers available
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
not any; not one
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/
the month following October and preceding December
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
oaksnounUS /oʊks/
plural of “oak” — the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
past form of “obey” — be obedient to
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
omissionnounUS /oʊˈmɪʃən/
a mistake resulting from neglect
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
on one occasion
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
PorternounUS /ˈpɔːrtər/
a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
predecessorsnounUS /ˈpredəsesərz/
plural of “predecessor” — one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
on the contrary
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
scrubverbUS /skrʌb/
clean with hard rubbing
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
slopesnounUS /sloʊps/
plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
snowsnounUS /snoʊz/
plural of “snow” — precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
stubblenounUS /ˈstʌbəl/
material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
teasnounUS /tiːz/
plural of “tea” — a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
theaternounUS /ˈθiːətər/
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Many people had entertained for her; she had never been introduced formally, but her mother's friends made up for this omission; she went out a great deal, and enjoyed it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The snows came and went on the dull slopes, and the canna beds were little blots of ruin in the gray stubble.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading FATHER AND DAUGHTER The winds of January had no better luck in shaking down the leaves of the scrub oaks on the Porter hillside than their predecessors of November and December.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading The house was a place of light and life once more, for Evelyn had obeyed her father's wish rather than her own inclination in opening its doors for frequent teas and dinners and once for a large ball.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Many young men climbed the hill to see her, and many went to the theater or to dances with her at least once.
