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Madonna Mary
Madonna Mary

Chapter XV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.
The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.
He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.
Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.
It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Madonna Mary

Chapter XV

Reading 1/47 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.
Line 2
The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.
Line 3
He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.
Line 4
Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.
Line 5
It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Disposed noun US /ˈdisposed/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Drew noun US /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Towards preposition US /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.”

All words in this reading · 106

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 The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

adviser

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

affection

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

announcement

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

away

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

better

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

blinded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

budding

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

capricious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

carried

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

commotion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

connected

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

considerable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

Cottage

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

creatures

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

disposednounUS /ˈdisposed/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

down

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

drewnounUS /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

Edward

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

engagement

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

enough

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

face

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

fanciful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

friend

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

girl

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

imagined

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

impressions

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

kind

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

liable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

liked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

love

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

loved

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

made

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

occurred

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

own

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From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

passion

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From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

people

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From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

Percival

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From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

play

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

pleasure

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

prudence

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

prudent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

say

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

sensible

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From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

serious

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From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

sight

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

Sir

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From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

spot

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From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

Thus

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

two

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

very

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From this reading The very next morning Sir Edward himself came down to the Cottage with a very serious face.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

way

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It had not occurred to him that Winnie might think of Percival, not as the first man who had ever asked her, but as the only man whom she loved; nor that Percival, though prudent enough, liked his own way, and was as liable to be carried away by passion as a better man.

wilfully

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Thus the only sensible adviser on the spot had wilfully blinded himself.

Winnie

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

Winnie's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The announcement of Winnie's engagement made, as was to be looked for, a considerable commotion among all the people connected with her.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

Yes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.

young

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had been disposed to play with the budding affection and to take pleasure in the sight of the two young creatures as they drew towards each other; for Percival, though in love, was not without prudence (his friend thought), and Winnie, though very open to impressions, was capricious and fanciful, and not the kind of girl, Sir Edward imagined, to say Yes to the first man who asked her.