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Phoebe, Junior
Phoebe, Junior

Chapter XXI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/60 · 5 lines
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TIDED OVER.
Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.
The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.
A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.
He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Phoebe, Junior

Chapter XXI

Reading 1/60 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
TIDED OVER.
Line 2
Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.
Line 3
The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.
Line 4
A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.
Line 5
He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

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

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.”

Except preposition US /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading “He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.”

Feeling noun US /ˈfeeling/

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

From this reading “He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

OVER preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “TIDED OVER.”

Sometimes noun US /sometimes/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.”

All words in this reading · 116

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 shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

able

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

affairs

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

anxiety

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

approaching

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

attended

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

back

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

betray

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

bushels

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

business

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

called

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

chequered

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

clouds

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

corn-factor's

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

Cotsdean

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

despair

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

despondency

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

dumb

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

escape

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

expedition

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

faith

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

feelingnounUS /ˈfeeling/

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

find

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

forlorn

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

full

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

go

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

going

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

grain

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

High

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

important

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

knew

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

knots

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

ledger

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

man

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

master

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

more

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

mournfully

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

Mr

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

much

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

NextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

night

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

ornamentally

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From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

out

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

OVERprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading TIDED OVER.

overwhelming

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

pre-occupied

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

previous

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

principle

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

resource

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

respects

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From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

sacks

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From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

seed

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

shop

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

showing

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

some

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

sometimes

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

sort

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

state

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

stock

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

Street

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

sufficient

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

TIDED

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From this reading TIDED OVER.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

too

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.

turning

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

uneasy

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

unhappy

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

up

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

valuable

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

very

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

way

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

From this reading He was as uneasy as Mr. May had been on the previous night, and in some respects even more unhappy; for he had no resource except a sort of dumb faith in his principle, a feeling that he must be able to find out some way of escape--chequered by clouds of despondency, sometimes approaching despair.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

wheat-ears

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

wife

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

window

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

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The shop was what is called a corn-factor's shop, full of sacks of grain, with knots of wheat-ears done up ornamentally in the window, a stock not very valuable, but sufficient, and showing a good, if not a very important, business.

wondering

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

From this reading Next morning, Cotsdean was mournfully turning over his ledger in the High Street, wondering whether he should go back to Mr. May on another forlorn expedition, or whether he should betray his overwhelming anxiety to his wife, who knew nothing about the state of affairs.

young

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

From this reading A young man behind, attended to what little business was going on; for the master himself was too much pre-occupied to think of bushels of seed.