used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
amuseverbUS /əˈmjuːz/
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
amusingadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
blocknounUS /blɑːk/
a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
bloomnounUS /bluːm/
the organic process of bearing flowers
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
a youthful male person
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
cagenounUS /keɪdʒ/
an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
give encouragement to
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
crippleverbUS /ˈkrɪpəl/
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
greatly pleased
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
dilapidatedadjectiveUS /dəˈlæpədeɪtɪd/
in deplorable condition
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
at any time
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
apart from; not including
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
extremesnounUS /ekˈstriːmz/
plural of “extreme” — the furthest or highest degree of something
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
flower-loving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
illustrationnounUS /ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən/
artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
landladynounUS /ˈlændleɪdi/
a landlord who is a woman
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
go away from a place
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
marblesnounUS /ˈmɑːrbəlz/
a children's game played with little balls made of a hard substance (as glass)
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
namingnounUS /ˈneɪmɪŋ/
the verbal act of naming
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
not one, and not any
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
participate in games or sport
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
promisingadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːməsɪŋ/
showing possibility of achievement or excellence
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
recommendverbUS /ˌrekəˈmend/
push for something
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
ricketyadjectiveUS /ˈrɪkəti/
inclined to shake as from weakness or defect
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
uttered with a trill
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
rose-bush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading He was delighted with the birds, but knew that his sister could not afford to buy him one.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
structurenounUS /ˈstrʌktʃər/
a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
tenantnounUS /ˈtenənt/
someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
tenementnounUS /ˈtenəmənt/
a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading She gave him his choice of the birds, and after promising to bring it back in the evening with a new cage which she would buy for him, the Witch took her leave.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
twinedverbUS /twaɪnd/
past form of “twine” — spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
unsightlyadjectiveUS /ənˈsaɪtli/
unpleasant to look at
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
precisely as stated
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
someone who visits
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
weaklingnounUS /ˈwiːklɪŋ/
a person who is physically weak and ineffectual
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
well-knownadjectiveUS /ˈwelˈnoʊn/
widely or fully known
From this reading He said she was employed up town in a store, naming the business block of a well-known and very wealthy merchant, and he could not go out and play like other boys, and the days seemed very long sometimes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
in or at the place that
From this reading She led the way up a flight of stairs to the room where a little cripple was amusing himself with a few marbles that he was rolling about on the table by which he was sitting.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
which person or people
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
WitchnounUS /wɪtʃ/
a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The landlady did not care to buy a bird, and none of the occupants of her rooms were at home during the day, except one, who poor boy, was always in, and a visitor would be sure to cheer him up a bit, though it would be useless to try and sell a bird there.
a late time of life
From this reading Ever on the alert to do good the Witch stopped at a rickety tenement, with nothing to recommend it but a climbing rose-bush, set out by some flower-loving tenant a number of years before, and which twined its long branches in full bloom over one end of the dilapidated structure; it was an illustration of extremes meeting, this perfectly beautiful rose-bush and the unsightly old porch.
an affirmative
From this reading Yes, thought our Witch, a day must be a long time to this poor weakling with little to amuse him.
