Chapter XXVI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

a person who enjoys taking risks

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

the act of burning something

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

plural of “burst” — the act of exploding or bursting

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

American breed of chicken having barred grey plumage raised for meat and brown eggs

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

set up or found

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

pleasant-smelling

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading SUNNY HOURS.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

full of or characterized by joy

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

the sound of laughing

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

the middle of the day

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

noteworthy scarcity

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

-ing form of “respond” — show a response or a reaction to something

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

get by special effort

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

relating to or characteristic of or situated in suburbs

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading SUNNY HOURS.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.

not important

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

precisely as stated

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which afforded a charming retreat from the heat of the sun at the burning hour of noon.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Three persons alone were admitted to the house: they were the adventurer, the count, and Dominique.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading It was in these fragrant clumps that the young ladies hid themselves, to prattle and gossip at liberty, responding, by the sweet bursts of their laughter, to the joyous songs of the birds.