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Agnes Grey
Agnes Grey

Chapter III · A Few More Lessons

Cover illustration for Agnes Grey
Context Illustration Reading 1/30 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.
She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.
When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.
That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.
I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Agnes Grey

Chapter III · A Few More Lessons

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.
Line 2
She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.
Line 3
When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.
Line 4
That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.
Line 5
I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.”

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.”

Exchanged noun US /ˈexchanged/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.”

Feeling noun US /ˈfeeling/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.”

All words in this reading · 115

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

abilities

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

abundant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

Ann

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

averse

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

backward

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

Bloomfield

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

bows

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

breakfast

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

business

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

chatted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

civil

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

commenced

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

concluded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

constant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

contrived

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

day

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

difficulty

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

disappointments

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

down

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

dressing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

exchangednounUS /ˈexchanged/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

exertion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

exhilaration

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

experienced

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

feelingnounUS /ˈfeeling/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

few

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

fidget

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

fingers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

go

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

hair

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

halfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

hopeful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

impatience

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

indeed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

keeping

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

light

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

longer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

Mary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

matter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

meal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

mental

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

met

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

Mrs

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

nurse

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

performing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

plaited

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

pomade

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

pupil

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

pupils

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

render

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

repaired

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

ribbon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

rose

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

schoolroom

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

smeared

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

species

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

spite

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

tails

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

task

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

three

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

tied

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

Tom

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

two

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

unaccustomed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.

words

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs. Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.