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 For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
acquaintance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
address
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
advancement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
apt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
bar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
belonged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
bench
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
bettered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
busy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
circumstance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
class
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
clothes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
coat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
colour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
contrary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
cousin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
dancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
debated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
dexteritynounUS /dɛkˈstɛrəti/
skill in using the hands or body in a specific situation in this story
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
earnestly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
Edinburgh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
education
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
exactly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
extremely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
fencing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
flower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
French
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
genteel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
Grant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
guest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
learned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
Leyden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
manage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
Miss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
misses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
months
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
musician
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
neglected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
notable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
orders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
ornamental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
Pilrig
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
prepared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
Prestongrange's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
proved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
re-ordered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
ribbon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
singing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
skirts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
sometimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
studied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
suggestion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
supposenounUS /ˈsuppose/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
sword
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
tie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
trifling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
weight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clothes themselves were all earnestly re-ordered; and the most trifling circumstance, such as where I should tie my hair, or the colour of my ribbon, debated among the three misses like a thing of weight.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading However, all were good enough to say it gave me an address a little more genteel; and there is no question but I learned to manage my coat skirts and sword with more dexterity, and to stand in a room as though the same belonged to me.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading For about exactly two months I remained a guest in Prestongrange’s family, where I bettered my acquaintance with the bench, the bar, and the flower of Edinburgh company.
wrought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I studied the French, so as to be more prepared to go to Leyden; I set myself to the fencing, and wrought hard, sometimes three hours in the day, with notable advancement; at the suggestion of my cousin, Pilrig, who was an apt musician, I was put to a singing class; and by the orders of my Miss Grant, to one for the dancing, at which I must say I proved far from ornamental.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You are not to suppose my education was neglected; on the contrary, I was kept extremely busy.
