Chapter II · Chapter 2

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

(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 All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading TOILS AND TRIALS.

plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

an occurrence of something

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

a group of people living in a particular local area

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

all of the offspring of a given progenitor

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

depriving of confidence or hope or enthusiasm and hence often deterring action

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

at any time

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

in a faithful manner

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

offering fun and gaiety

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

plural of “german” — a person of German nationality

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

publicly announced

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

used to form the superlative

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

position nine in a countable series of things

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

not one, and not any

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

paying close attention especially to details

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

in a peaceful manner

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

plural of “pencil” — a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

by chance

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

with low volume

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

precisely, exactly

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

plural of “settler” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

plural of “toil” — productive work (especially physical work done for wages)

From this reading TOILS AND TRIALS.

plural of “trial” — the act of testing something

From this reading TOILS AND TRIALS.

up to a particular time

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Nothing was said on the subject, and the weeks rolled on quietly and peacefully as before, until William passed his ninth birthday, and the Christmas-time drew near.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

at the time that

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.

belonging to which person

From this reading This is a festive time with most; and it seems right that it should be so, for can man ever be sufficiently thankful for the great gift of a Saviour, whose birth was heralded by the songs of angels on that day?

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When William arose the next morning, he met his parents with as smiling a face as if his father had presented him with a case of pencils, instead of discouraging his attempts at drawing.

produce a literary work

From this reading All nations observe their peculiar ceremonies, but perhaps none are more faithfully observant of them than the Germans in the little community of M----, most of whose inhabitants at the time of which we write were descendants of the original Dutch settlers.