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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
Adelicia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
agitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
anger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
apparently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
appealing
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From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
break
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
broke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
checked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
colorless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
damage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
died
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
echoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
effort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
elbow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
equal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
failed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
fall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
forlorn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
further
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
harsh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
hastily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
higher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
intent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
Julia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
laugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
laughing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
laughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
leaned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
ledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
lifted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
malignant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
midway
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
mirth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
notice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
offense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
outbreak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
pallid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
promptly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
prone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
propitiation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
quick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
relative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
remembering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
repairing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
repeatednounUS /repeated/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
restingnounUS /ˈresting/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
revert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
scantyadjectiveUS /ˈskænti/
small or barely sufficient in amount
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
silently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
slights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
tunnel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
uncanny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
violence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
waited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
weird
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
wondering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.