Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
age
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
aloof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
attend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
Babbie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
BeyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
brown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
Careys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
certainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
class
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
classes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
companions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
Crompton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
dainty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
dancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
dresses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
expansive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
French
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
Friday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
friendships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
girls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
giving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
glances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
Gwen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
incipient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
interfered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
invariably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
Iva
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
jerseys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
linger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
Mavis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
member
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
Merle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
Miss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
Moorings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
noticed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
obtrusive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
occasional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
Opal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
recognition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
regarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
reproof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
sandals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
shoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
sign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
silk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
sister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
sociable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
stockings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
stop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
try
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
Warren
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Warren Mavis and Merle went to Miss Crompton's class on Friday afternoon in their dainty best dresses, silk stockings, and dancing sandals.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Their appearance was certainly very different from what it had been last week in their brown jerseys and school shoes.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
Williams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They noticed Gwen Williams look them up and down, but she did not speak to them or give them any sign of recognition.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Beyond an occasional word with Opal, Iva, or the Careys, she would not be expansive with any of the girls at The Moorings, holding aloof in a rather obtrusive fashion, and giving them to understand that though she might attend their French and dancing classes she must not be regarded as a member of the school.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Babbie, who was of a much more sociable disposition, would often try to linger to talk with companions of her own age, but Gwen invariably interfered, and would put a stop to the incipient friendships, giving her younger sister glances of very plain reproof.
