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 pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
aloof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
Avomnouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
befitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
Bessie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
boot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
boys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
brothers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
claw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
Colonel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
confiding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
croquet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
daughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
daw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
delight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
Early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
elder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
failing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
falcon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
flood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
frank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
game
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
governess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
gracefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
greeted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
guest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
hammering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
inquiry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
Keith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
lawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
leisurely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
losing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
mallet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
mannerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
meet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
monosyllable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
Myrtlewood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
notion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
obliged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
October
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
pace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
pheasant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
please
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
poornounUS /poor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
poured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
progress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
reassuring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
recent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
scarceadjectiveUS /skɛrs/
hard to find or in short supply
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
scarcely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
SCOTT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
Shouts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
smile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
sweetness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
tidings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
Touchett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
vociferated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
waited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
ward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
warm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood, where croquet was still in progress.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading But the boys had no notion of losing their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew croquet.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys, while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the enchanted ground failing him.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Shouts of delight greeted the Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith come to meet him, with the frank confiding sweetness befitting his recent ward, the daughter of his friend.
yield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The pheasant in the falcon’s claw, He scarce will yield, to please a daw.”—SCOTT.
