used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But this was an exception.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
for the reason that
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this was an exception.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
defensenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
designingnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ/
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
despisedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspaɪzd/
treated with dislike or contempt
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
eliminatedverbUS /ɪˈlɪməneɪtɪd/
past form of “eliminate” — terminate, end, or take out
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading But this was an exception.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
homesnounUS /hoʊmz/
plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
inadequacynounUS /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/
lack of an adequate quantity or number
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
includedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdəd/
enclosed in the same envelope or package
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
Lynda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
not any; not one
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
nurseriesnounUS /ˈnɜːrsəriz/
plural of “nursery” — a child's room for a baby
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
something you have to do
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
on the contrary
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
regardingverbUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪŋ/
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
undertakenverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪkən/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But this was an exception.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
at the time that
From this reading Later she had eliminated designing of this kind because so few asked for it, and it did not pay to put much time on study in preparation for the rare occasions when nurseries were included in the orders.
which person or people
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Lynda, that winter day, had undertaken her task with unwonted energy.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading In her early beginning she had rather despised the inadequacy of women who, no matter what might be said in defense of their ignorance regarding the rest of their homes, did not know how to design and plan their own nurseries.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading She had never done a similar piece of work before.
