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May
May

Chapter XX

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Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.
Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.
It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.
Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.
The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

May

Chapter XX

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.
Line 2
Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.
Line 3
It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.
Line 4
Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.
Line 5
The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading “If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.”

Cried noun US /cried/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.”

Distress noun US /dɪˈstrɛs/

extreme sadness or suffering

From this reading “If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

aggravated

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

all

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

attendance

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

better

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

blinds

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

called

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

carriages

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

Charlie

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

chosen

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

circumstances

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

criednounUS /cried/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

daughter

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

distressnounUS /dɪˈstrɛs/

extreme sadness or suffering

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

eyes

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

family

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

father's

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

Fife

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

following

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

funeral

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

gable

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

gentry

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

greater

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

Heriot

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

Heriot's

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

honour

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

India

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

Jean

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

From this reading Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.

join

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

From this reading Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.

Laird

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

lot

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

man

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

Manse

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

many

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

Miss

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

From this reading Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.

more

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

mournful

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

Mrs

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

much

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

Murray

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

old

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

once

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

out

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

peeping

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

Pitcomlie

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

prayed

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From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

procession

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From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

quickly

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

removed

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

resigned

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

sat

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

shone

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

sight

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

soon

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

sorrow

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

supposed

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

tears

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

thus

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

Tom

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

From this reading If Tom Heriot’s funeral had called all the gentry of Fife to do the family honour, it may be supposed that his father’s, following so soon after, and in such circumstances of aggravated distress, brought out a still greater attendance.

tremulously

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

ventured

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

From this reading Miss Jean had not ventured this time to join Mrs. Murray at her window.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

watching

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

well

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

wept

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

From this reading It seemed to her that his was the lot she would have chosen for herself, and she thought tremulously as she wept, of her daughter in India, and prayed for her as she cried for poor Charlie Heriot.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

white

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

window

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

woman

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

From this reading The old woman was peeping from behind her blinds in the white gable, with eyes that shone at sight of the many carriages.

wondering

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

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Mrs. Murray once more sat at the Manse window, with many tears, watching the mournful procession, and wondering much whether it would have been better for him had the Laird of Pitcomlie been “resigned,” or whether it was well for the old man to be thus removed quickly, that he might not have sorrow on sorrow.