used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading “We’re here to help,” they announced blithely.
move towards
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
blithelyadverbUS /ˈblaɪθli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading “We’re here to help,” they announced blithely.
bluntadjectiveUS /blʌnt/
having a broad or rounded end
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
boldlyadverbUS /ˈboʊldli/
with boldness, in a bold manner
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
broomsnounUS /bruːmz/
plural of “broom” — a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
Cara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
clothing in general
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
clothsnounUS /klɔːθs/
plural of “cloth” — artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
recognizable; marked
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
dishesnounUS /ˈdɪʃəz/
plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
disregardverbUS /ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑːrd/
refuse to acknowledge
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
remove the dust from
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
easiestadjectiveUS /ˈiːziəst/
superlative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
accept an excuse for
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
heirloomsnounUS /ˈerluːmz/
plural of “heirloom” — (law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “We’re here to help,” they announced blithely.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
proprietynounUS /prəˈpraɪəti/
correct or appropriate behavior
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
express in words
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
an educational institution
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
Swenster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “We’re here to help,” they announced blithely.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
WaynenounUS /weɪn/
United States film actor who played tough heroes (1907-1979)
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
We're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “We’re here to help,” they announced blithely.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were not certain how this blunt approach would be received, but after the first look of astonishment, Miss Swenster smiled.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Accordingly, the next morning, which was a school holiday, she and Cara Wayne dressed in their old clothes and armed with brooms and dust cloths, presented themselves at the back door of the mansion.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading In the end Madge decided that the easiest way to help Miss Swenster would be to disregard propriety and descend boldly upon her.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Please say we may, for we want an excuse to see your dishes and the lovely heirlooms.”
