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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
according
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
bachelor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
bank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
banker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
calmly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
childhood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
childless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
connected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
consider
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
considered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
dangerous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
destined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
divined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
Duntrum
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From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
Edinburgh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
especially
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
expectations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
fatigue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
fortunate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
godfather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
greatest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
heirnounUS /er/
A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
impatience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
journeynounUS /ˈjourney/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
luck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
married
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
marry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
namefather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
nephew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
noon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
nowadays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
patron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
Percival
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From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
phrase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
popular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
preoccupation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
provincial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
raise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
Scotland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
secure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
service
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
shorten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
single
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
south
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
stage-coach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
staid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
subject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
tie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
uncle's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
universally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading John Percival was a nephew of a banker in Edinburgh, destined from his childhood to the service of the bank--which was considered by all the family the greatest good luck that could have happened to a boy.
whisks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
wintry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thought the most fortunate boy in the family; but I don't think he considered himself as such, and especially when he set out on a wintry day at noon in the stage-coach for Duntrum, a large provincial town in the south of Scotland.
wishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He was, though the old man did not say so, nor do anything to raise expectations, universally considered as his uncle's heir; and did so consider himself calmly, without impatience or preoccupation with the subject, and very far from wishing to shorten his uncle's life by a single day.
yesterday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be divined that it was not to-day or yesterday, according to the popular phrase, when this journey took place: for nowadays one whisks off from Edinburgh to Duntrum in the morning, and whisks back again at night, having several hours in which to do one's business between, and no fatigue to speak of.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His uncle, who like the boy was John Percival, and who was his godfather--or namefather, as we say in Scotland--as well as his uncle and his patron, and was connected with him by every possible tie, was a childless man: childless, too, in the most secure way,--not an old bachelor who might marry at any moment, but a staid married man with a wife younger than himself, yet not so young as to be dangerous.
