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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
absence
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From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
Alice
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From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
all
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From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
anxious
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From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
Arms
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From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
aroused
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From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
Aytoun's
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From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
birthday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
breathlessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
busy and excited activity
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
celebrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
cogitations
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From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
contrasting
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From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
country-side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
curls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
dinner-party
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
dress
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From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
energies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
extensive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
fairnounUS /fair/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
families
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
father's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
festivities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
gala
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
gay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
gown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
hailednounUS /hailed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
invitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
Lairds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
landlord
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
larger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
laughed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
leaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
Lewis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
Lewis's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
majority
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
Merkland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
Portoran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
preparations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
pretty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
quiet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
risen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
Ross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
Ross's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
scale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
secretly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
silk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
sleeves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
solemn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
Strathoran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
surmisings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
Sutherland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
tenantry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
touching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
underlings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
unwonted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
youthful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.