used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had been a busy winter for Bertha.
Bertha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
cause to be bored
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading It had been a busy winter for Bertha.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
colouredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It had been a busy winter for Bertha.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
frostnounUS /frɔːst/
ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the act of departing
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
gustyadjectiveUS /ˈɡʌsti/
blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had been a busy winter for Bertha.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
an indirect suggestion
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
howledverbUS /haʊld/
past form of “howl” — emit long loud cries
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
inflictionnounUS /ˌɪnˈflɪkʃən/
the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had been a busy winter for Bertha.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
justifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪd/
having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
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 Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
lengtheningnounUS /ˈleŋθənɪŋ/
the act of prolonging something
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
march in a procession
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
pressingnounUS /ˈpresɪŋ/
the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
reducedadjectiveUS /rəˈduːst/
made less in size or amount or degree
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
rejectionnounUS /rɪˈdʒekʃən/
the act of rejecting something
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
setbacknounUS /ˈsetbæk/
an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
disposed of to a purchaser
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
spectaclesnounUS /ˈspektəkəlz/
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
the season of growth
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
stormsnounUS /stɔːrmz/
plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
stormyadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/
(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
the rays of the sun
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
ultimateadjectiveUS /ˈʌltəmət/
furthest or highest in degree or order; utmost or extreme
From this reading Four stories had been sold, and although three others had failed to find a market, she already knew enough about the literary life to feel sure that the setback of their rejection might be for her ultimate good.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
wastesnounUS /weɪsts/
plural of “waste” — any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
accept gladly
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
in the company of; together with
From this reading February was a month of keen frost and bright sunshine, which reduced Bertha to the infliction of wearing coloured spectacles to keep from going blind, and then March came in with lengthening days and stormy winds which howled across the wastes, but bore on their gusty breath a welcome hint of the coming spring.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading THE weeks of winter dragged on; January wore itself out in fierce storms.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Time for writing had been made whenever other duties were not pressing, and her success had justified the time she had spent on the task.
