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 Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
Alice
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From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
Alice's
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From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
all
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From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
altogether
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From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
anxious
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From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
candidate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
choosenounUS /choose/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
clergyman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
concerns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəl/
spoken privately and not for general knowledge
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
connection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
cordialnounUS /cordial/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
cottage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
daughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
decision
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
declined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
Derwent's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
despondingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
devotion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
distantadjectiveUS /ˈdɪstənt/
not friendly or close
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
eligible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
evident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
favor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
fear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
gather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
happy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
Harley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
holiday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
individual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
information
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
invitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
letters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
London
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
meantimenounUS /ˈmiːntaɪm/
the period of time while something else is happening
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
months
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
positively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
previous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
rejection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
reminds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
Reredos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
scraps
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From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
separated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
shortly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
sometimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
sorry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
treadmill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
vaguely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
Very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
visitor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I heard from them in the meantime various scraps of information, from which I could gather vaguely how their individual concerns went on.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Alice was sometimes cordial and sometimes distant to this candidate for her favor--“And I often fear that it will just be with Mr. Reredos as with the rest,” said Mrs. Harley, despondingly--“and I like him so much--he reminds me of what her dear father was once--and the connection would altogether be so eligible that I should be very sorry if it came to nothing.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Very shortly after our little party separated, it was time to go back to London to Derwent’s treadmill; our holiday was over--and as Alice had positively declined my invitation to go with us to London, we were again for several months quite separated from our country friends.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was, the good mother said, the position of all others which she would choose for her daughter, if it lay in her decision--a country clergyman’s wife, the same position which she herself had held long ago, when Dr. Harley lived, and she was happy!--but she could not make out what Alice’s mind was.
wrote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Reredos was again a visitor at the cottage, and Mrs. Harley, who was not in the secret of his previous rejection, wrote to me two or three long, anxious, confidential letters about his evident devotion to her dear girl--and what did I think of it?
