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 In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
Alice
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From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
all
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From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
answer
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From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
any
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From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
Arthur
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From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
better
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From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
career
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From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
centre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
cogitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
Colin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
Colin's
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From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
causing pain or showing no kindness
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
daughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
depraved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
desertedverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/
left a place or vessel without intending to return
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
development
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
difference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
drag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
eloquent
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From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/
to think that something will happen
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
fortnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
grown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
habits
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From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
happiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
honour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
imaginary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
increased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
indignation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
indited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
inform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
Lauderdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
Lauderdale's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
letter
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From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
meantimenounUS /ˈmiːntaɪm/
the period of time while something else is happening
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
meet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
melancholy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
moments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
necessity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
parent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
plunge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
privacy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
profligate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
protector
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
regard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
seclusion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
seriousness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
share
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
society
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
strange
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
strictest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the meantime at least a fortnight must pass before they could expect an answer to Lauderdale’s letter.
tyrant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
unworthy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading And there were moments when Colin felt the seriousness of the position, and thought it very hard that such a necessity should meet him in the face at the beginning of his career.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading During that time they returned to all their old habits, with the strange and melancholy difference, that Arthur, once the centre of all, was no longer there.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Every day of this time increased the development of Colin’s new thoughts, until the unknown father of Alice had grown, in his eyes, into a cruel and profligate tyrant, ready to drag his daughter home and plunge her into depraved society without any regard for either her happiness or her honour.
youthful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had, indeed, in his own mind, in strictest privacy and seclusion of thought, indited an imaginary letter, eloquent with youthful indignation, to inform this unworthy parent that his deserted daughter had found a better protector; but he was very silent about these cogitations of his, and did not share them even with Lauderdale.
