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 This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
acknowledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
attention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
beauty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
brow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
brown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
care
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
cheek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
confessions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
consolation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
contemplation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
derive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
desire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
devoid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
discover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
esteemed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
expression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
features
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
foolish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is foolish to wish for beauty.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
forehead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
Grecian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
grey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
hitherto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
hollow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
image
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
intellect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
low
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
marked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
neglectful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
paid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
pale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
preferable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
Sensible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
sentiment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
study
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
uncommon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This is not saying much—for hitherto I had been a little neglectful in that particular; but now, also, it was no uncommon thing to spend as much as two minutes in the contemplation of my own image in the glass; though I never could derive any consolation from such a study.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I am in the way of confessions I may as well acknowledge that, about this time, I paid more attention to dress than ever I had done before.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
wish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is foolish to wish for beauty.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I could discover no beauty in those marked features, that pale hollow cheek, and ordinary dark brown hair; there might be intellect in the forehead, there might be expression in the dark grey eyes, but what of that?—a low Grecian brow, and large black eyes devoid of sentiment would be esteemed far preferable.
