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The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 2
The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 2

Chapter X

Cover illustration for The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 2
Context Illustration Reading 1/54 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.
The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.
Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.
Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.
Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 2

Chapter X

Reading 1/54 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.
Line 2
The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.
Line 3
Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.
Line 4
Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.
Line 5
Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

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 “Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.”

Foot noun US /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.”

Hands plural noun US /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading “Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.”

All words in this reading · 110

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 Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

actually

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

almost

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

always

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

apartment

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

appearances

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

back

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

brightness

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

ceiling

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

chimney

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

circle

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

concave

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

contained

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

conversation

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

covered

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

customary

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

damask

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

diffused

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

dozen

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

engaged

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

especial

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

expression

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

eyes

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

fire

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

flowers

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

flushed

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

footnounUS /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

frequent

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

gathered

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

HalfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

handsplural nounUS /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

intimates

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

large

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

larger

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

leaning

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

more

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

most

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

Mrs

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

near

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

objects

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

occasion

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

odour

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

old

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

Osmond

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

Pansy

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

persons

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

place

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

presumably

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

red

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

represent

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

resort

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

room

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

rooms

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

sat

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

scattered

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

series

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

served

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

sole

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

subdued

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

talking

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

tea

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

things

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

From this reading The room was flushed with subdued, diffused brightness; it contained the larger things and--almost always--an odour of flowers.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

thrust

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

to-night

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

together

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

up

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

usually

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

visitors

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

walls

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

warming

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

From this reading Osmond stood before the chimney, leaning back with his hands behind him; he had one foot up and was warming the sole.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Pansy was not in the first of the rooms, a large apartment with a concave ceiling and walls covered with old red damask; it was here Mrs. Osmond usually sat--though she was not in her most customary place to-night--and that a circle of more especial intimates gathered about the fire.

worth

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

From this reading Half a dozen persons, scattered near him, were talking together; but he was not in the conversation; his eyes had an expression, frequent with them, that seemed to represent them as engaged with objects more worth their while than the appearances actually thrust upon them.

younger

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

From this reading Pansy on this occasion was presumably in the next of the series, the resort of younger visitors, where tea was served.