AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
affairsnounUS /əˈferz/
matters of personal concern
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
AlladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
bootsnounUS /buːts/
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
BrilliantadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪljənt/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
cast-offadjective
thrown away
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
clothingnounUS /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/
a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/
without stop or interruption
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/
dearly loved
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They did all sorts of things to help the children.
distributeverbUS /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/
administer or bestow, as in small portions
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
electedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektəd/
subject to popular election
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/
plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
EpigramnounUS /ˈepəɡræm/
a witty saying
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
especiallyadverbUS /əˈspeʃli/
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
fatadjectiveUS /fæt/
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
grappleverbUS /ˈɡræpəl/
succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading They did all sorts of things to help the children.
holdverbUS /hoʊld/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
jumblenounUS /ˈdʒʌmbəl/
a confused multitude of things
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
manageverbUS /ˈmænədʒ/
be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
meetingsnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋz/
plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
Mugsborough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
nourishmentnounUS /ˈnɜːrɪʃmənt/
a source of materials to nourish the body
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
permittedverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
philanthropicadjectiveUS /ˌfɪlənˈθrɑːpɪk/
generous in assistance to the poor
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
pooradjectiveUS /puːr/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
povertynounUS /ˈpɑːvərti/
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
practicaladjectiveUS /ˈpræktəkəl/
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
pretendverbUS /priˈtend/
make believe with the intent to deceive
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
problemnounUS /ˈprɑːbləm/
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
rottenadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːtən/
very bad
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
rummageverbUS /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/
search haphazardly
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
salesnounUS /seɪlz/
income (at invoice values) received for goods and services over some given period of time
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
servicesnounUS /ˈsɜːrvəsəz/
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
sortsnounUS /sɔːrts/
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading They did all sorts of things to help the children.
specialadjectiveUS /ˈspeʃəl/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading They continued to hold meetings, rummage and jumble sales, entertainments and special services.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading They did all sorts of things to help the children.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
ticketsnounUS /ˈtɪkəts/
plural of “ticket” — a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
From this reading They continued to distribute the rotten cast-off clothing and boots, and the nourishment tickets.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
unemploymentnounUS /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being unemployed or not having a job
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were all so sorry for the poor, especially for the “dear little children”.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
winternounUS /ˈwɪntər/
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
wiseadjectiveUS /waɪz/
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A Brilliant Epigram All through the winter, the wise, practical, philanthropic, fat persons whom the people of Mugsborough had elected to manage their affairs—or whom they permitted to manage them without being elected—continued to grapple, or to pretend to grapple, with the “problem” of unemployment and poverty.
