used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
ambitiousadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪʃəs/
having a strong desire for success or achievement
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
cliquenounUS /kliːk/
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
competitionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/
a business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
dislikesnounUS /dɪˈslaɪks/
plural of “dislike” — an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
envynounUS /ˈenvi/
a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
FranklyadverbUS /ˈfræŋkli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
groupsnounUS /ɡruːps/
plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
happy-go-luckyadjective
cheerfully irresponsible
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
honorsnounUS /ˈɑːnərz/
plural of “honor” — a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
not in action or at work
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
indifferentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/
marked by a lack of interest
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
individuallyadverbUS /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuːəli/
apart from others
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
industriousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdʌstriəs/
characterized by hard work and perseverance
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
leadershipnounUS /ˈliːdərʃɪp/
the activity of leading
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
plural of “like” — a similar kind
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
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 Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
minglingnounUS /ˈmɪŋɡəlɪŋ/
the action of people mingling and coming into contact
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
morrownounUS /ˈmɑːroʊ/
the next day
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
organizationnounUS /ˌɔːrɡənəˈzeɪʃən/
a group of people who work together
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
Plainfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
politicsnounUS /ˈpɑːlətɪks/
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
popularitynounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈlerəti/
the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
like better; value more highly
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
prizesnounUS /ˈpraɪzəz/
plural of “prize” — something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
prudentadjectiveUS /ˈpruːdənt/
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
on the contrary
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
rivalriesnounUS /ˈraɪvəlriz/
plural of “rivalry” — the act of competing as for profit or a prize
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
Identical; not different.
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
schemers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
scholarshipnounUS /ˈskɑːlərʃɪp/
financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
an educational institution
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
schoolsnounUS /skuːlz/
plural of “school” — an educational institution
From this reading Plainfield High School, like most other schools, had its politics.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
TakenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Frankly, envy had much to do with this state of things.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
venturesomeadjectiveUS /ˈventʃərsəm/
disposed to venture or take risks
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were, of course, the usual rivalries between the classes; then there were the likes and dislikes of various groups in each class; there was some sharp competition for honors in scholarship, and rather more for the prizes of personal popularity and leadership.
whicheverdeterminerUS /wɪˈtʃevər/
any one of a set, it does not matter which
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In fact, life inside the school was a deal like life outside it, with the same mingling of the ambitious and the indifferent, the industrious and the idle, the prudent and the venturesome, the schemers and the happy-go-lucky souls with never a thought for the morrow.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Taken individually, the boys of the Safety First Club enjoyed popularity above the average, but as a crowd, or a clique, or an organization--whichever you prefer to call it--they had many critics.
