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 month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
age
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From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
amateurs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
apologies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
approximating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
April
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
borders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
children
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
chill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
circumstances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
companion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
concisely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
despised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
display
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
entertainment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
exhibition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
fitful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
flitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
focal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
frequent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
gardens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
grounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
Heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
herbaceous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
Households
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
ideal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
interruption
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
invited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
Isabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
June
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
Lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
lawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
lofty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
logs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
March
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
marred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
middle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
Mount
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
Music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
nearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
neednounUS /need/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
never-achieved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
overcast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
players
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
pleasantnounUS /pleasant/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
privileges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
purport
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
rain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
rival
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
showers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
showery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
spoken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
subject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
sullen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
Talbot-Lowry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
tea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
tennis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
turf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
weather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.
