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 Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
admiring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
AgainstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
also
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From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
bandage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
bowl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
brass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
bureau
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
burst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
carved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
Chinese
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
Chumley
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From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
clasp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
consider
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
considering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
containing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
convinced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
couch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
cream
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
crucial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
cushions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
delicate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
diamonds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
disapprove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
dull
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
enamel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
ends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
equallynounUS /ˈequally/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
fail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
fallacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
flowers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
gown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
Grizel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
huge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
intended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
lace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
lacquer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
littered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
Martin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
match
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
odds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
piled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
profusion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
red
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
robe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
seat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
showing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
simplicity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
snood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
sofa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
splendournounUS /ˈsplendər/
magnificent and impressive appearance
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
subjugated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
sultana-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
surprising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
tapestries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
theatrical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
thoroughly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
thread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
throngs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
tied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
tone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
touches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
turquoise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When the crucial moment arrived, she intended to seat herself sultana-like on her couch and burst in full splendour upon the admiring throngs.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Grizel did a thing at all she did it thoroughly, and when the drawing-room was finished to a thread, she herself dressed to match it in a cream lace robe of fallacious simplicity, caught together with a clasp of turquoise and diamonds, and a blue snood tied about her head.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a table also of carved Chinese wood, littered with books, and a surprising number of odds and ends considering the very short period in which it had been in use; a bureau of dull red lacquer, littered to match, and a great blue enamel bowl containing a few, but only a few, spring flowers.
woodwork
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the wall stood a huge old sofa, showing delicate touches of brass on the carved woodwork, and piled with a profusion of cushions to match the tapestries in tone.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Martin was convinced that no living thing could fail to be subjugated by that gown, but he was equally convinced that Chumley would disapprove of the snood, which it would call a bandage, and consider theatrical and out of place.
