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 Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
affirmed
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From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
agitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
agreeable
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From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
air
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From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
all
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From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
Anderson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
anniversary
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From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
announcing
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From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
approaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
arrived
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From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
birthday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
change
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From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
contemplate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
Cottage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
Courtenay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
deeply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
doctornounUS /doctor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
dry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
duties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
dutifully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
Easter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
Easter-week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
eighteen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
eighteenth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
existed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
guardian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
Kate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
Kate's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
moved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
notes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
occasional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
periodically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
possibly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
pricked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
quiet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
recess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
recommended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
Shanklin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
specifying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
subject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
suggested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
suitable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
Uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
visit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
ward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Besides, it was the Easter recess, and a few days’ quiet and change of air were recommended by his doctor.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Kate’s eighteenth birthday was in Easter-week; and on the day before that anniversary a letter arrived from her Uncle Courtenay, which filled the Cottage with agitation.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading For this no place could possibly be more suitable than Shanklin; so he sent a dry little letter to Kate, announcing an approaching visit, though without specifying any time.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
written
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time she had written periodically and dutifully to her guardian, Mrs. Anderson being very exact upon that point, and had received occasional notes from him in return; but something had pricked him to think of his duties at this particular moment, though it was not an agreeable subject to contemplate.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not seen her for three years, and it cannot be affirmed that the old man of the world would have been deeply moved had he never seen his ward again; but something had suggested to him the fact that Kate existed--that she was now eighteen, and that it was his business to look after her.
