used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
(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 Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
besiegingnounUS /bɪˈsiːdʒɪŋ/
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
pleasing or delighting
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
comfortablyadverbUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbli/
in mental comfort; without stress
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
cordiallyadverbUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
dancersnounUS /ˈdænsərz/
plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
dancesnounUS /ˈdænsəz/
plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
denialnounUS /dɪˈnaɪəl/
the act of refusing to comply (as with a request)
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
EmersonnounUS /ˈemərsən/
United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
ensconcedverbUS /ɪnˈskɑːnst/
past form of “ensconce” — fix firmly
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
at any time
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
every person
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
set up or found
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
made afraid
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
GoldilocksnounUS /ˈɡoʊldilɔːks/
early-flowering perennial of southern and southeastern Europe with flower heads resembling those of goldenrod
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
impressivelyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪvli/
in an impressive manner
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
invitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
ladsnounUS /lædz/
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
Larry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
SueverbUS /suː/
institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
sweetlyadverbUS /ˈswiːtli/
in an affectionate or loving manner (“sweet” is sometimes a poetic or informal variant of “sweetly”)
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The latter was greeted cordially and not too impressively by gay little Sue Emerson, their hostess, and her friends.
uncurious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everybody was so pleasant and natural and uncurious that she did not feel frightened or strange at all, and really enjoyed the little court she held between dances.
precisely as stated
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
look attentively
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
at the time that
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
in or at the place that
From this reading Ruth was ensconced comfortably in a big chair where she could watch the dancers and talk as much or little as she pleased.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Pretty girls and pleasant lads came to talk with her, the latter besieging her with invitations to dance which she refused so sweetly that they found the little Goldilocks more charming than ever for her very denial.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A YOUNG MAN IN LOVE The dance was well in progress when Larry and Ruth arrived.
