used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
plural of “age” — how long something has existed
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
for the reason that
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
BROWNINGnounUS /ˈbraʊnɪŋ/
United States inventor of firearms (especially automatic pistols and repeating rifles and a machine gun called the Peacemaker) (1855-1926)
From this reading R. BROWNING.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
clerksnounUS /klɜːrks/
plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
a body serving in an administrative capacity
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
desksnounUS /desks/
plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
exceedverbUS /ɪkˈsiːd/
be greater in scope or size than some standard
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
a boy or man
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
hold firmly
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
grey-headedadjective
showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
intricaciesnounUS /ˈɪntrəkəsiz/
plural of “intricacy” — marked by elaborately complex detail
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
Joan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
the force of workers available
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
a person who requires medical care
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
yielding a fair profit
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
pig-tails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
ploddingnounUS /ˈplɑːdɪŋ/
hard monotonous routine work
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air
From this reading R. BROWNING.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
Rose'snounUS /ˈroʊzɪz/
possessive form of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
scholarsnounUS /ˈskɑːlərz/
plural of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
SchoolsnounUS /skuːlz/
plural of “school” — an educational institution
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
shorthandnounUS /ˈʃɔːrthænd/
a method of writing rapidly using an abbreviated symbolic system
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
be seated
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
not in physical motion
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
strainedadjectiveUS /streɪnd/
lacking natural ease
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
trainedadjectiveUS /treɪnd/
shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
typingnounUS /ˈtaɪpɪŋ/
writing done with a typewriter
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
except if; if not
From this reading Following Rose's suggestion, and because for the time being there really seemed nothing for her to do, unless she could show herself a little better trained, Joan joined the County Council Night Schools in the neighbourhood.
precisely as stated
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
what's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
which person or people
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Her fellow scholars were drawn from all ages and all ranks--clerks, office boys, and grey-headed men; girls with their hair still in pig-tails, and elderly women with patient, strained faces, who would sit at their desks plodding through the intricacies of shorthand and paying very little attention to what went on all round them.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She would go there five evenings in the week; three for shorthand and two for typing.
