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 I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
any
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From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
approving
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From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
barrier-wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
bitter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
brilliant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
bristly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
calceolarias
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
children
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
clipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
colour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
continual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
criticism
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
daisy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
fallen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
feel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
flower-beds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
geraniums
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
heaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
hedge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
holly-hedges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
inclosure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
income
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
inside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
Isabella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
Lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
lawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
leaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
lie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
masses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
Merridew's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
Merridews
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
mown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
Naturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
neighbourhood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
nice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
obtrusive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
perfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
perfection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
pleasednounUS /ˈpleased/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
poornounUS /poor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
presumed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
Spencer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
surrounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
trimmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
untidy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
Utrecht
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
variety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
velvet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
vulgar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flower-beds which surrounded it were more brilliant than any I ever saw--not mere vulgar geraniums and calceolarias, but a continual variety, and always such masses of colour.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
well-off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was one house in our neighbourhood which was perfect and above criticism.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
wished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally it was the very next house to Mrs. Merridew’s, who had heaps of children and a small income, and could not have things so very nice as might have been wished.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Mrs. Spencer and Lady Isabella lived within sight of her, with but two holly-hedges between; the hedge on the side of the Merridews’ house was bristly and untidy, but on the other side it was trimmed and clipped till it looked like a barrier-wall of dark green Utrecht velvet; and inside that inclosure everything was in perfection; the lawn was mown every other day; there was never an obtrusive daisy on it, and no fallen leaf presumed to lie for half an hour.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading I do not mean to say that it was a great house; but the very sight of it was enough to make you feel almost bitter if you were poor, and much pleased and approving if you were well-off.
