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 I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
almost
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From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
anger
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
attacked
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
aunts
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
away
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
BONE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
BRED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
brother
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
carcinoma
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
Cause
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
charged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
chief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
childhood
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From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
common
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From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
conclusions
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From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
contributing
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
cousin
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
cousins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
cropping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
daughters
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
deep-seated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
drink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
due
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
epileptic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
exaggerated
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From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
excessive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
father's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
feel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
frightened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
grandfather's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
grandmother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
gravity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
heredity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
intemperance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
intemperate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
intense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
kindred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
lament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
marry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
marrying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
maternal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
members
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
mild
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
Movement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
naturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
neurotic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
observations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
offspring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
potency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
queer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
reading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
realize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
reasonsnounUS /ˈreasons/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
resolution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
restricted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
sides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
Sister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
surprisednounUS /surprised/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
temper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
Temperance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
tendencies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
tendency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
trait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
traits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
tuberculosis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
uncles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
ungovernable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
village
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
waged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
war
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
WhetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
wholly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
zeal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
