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 And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
affairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
all
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From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
always
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From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
anniversary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
aside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
become
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
Bee
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From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
belong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
boys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
cares
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
Christmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
death
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
dresses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
elder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
energetic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
everybodypronounUS /ˈevribɑːdi/
every person
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
faction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
final
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
forlorn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
gathered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
gayest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
Gerald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
gradually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to act
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
inevitably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
Kingswarden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
laid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
Lyon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
mechanically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
mischief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
mother's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
occurred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
over-wrought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
performed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
Portman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
prematurely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
prevented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
prospect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
referred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
respect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
responsibilities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
returns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
ringleaders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
routine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
seaside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
season
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
sentiment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
serious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
share
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
sister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
slim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And everything came back, and everybody referred to Bee as if there had always been a slim elder sister at the head of affairs.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
Square
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
suppressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Bee had become so prematurely serious, so over-wrought with the cares of the family, that Betty, who was too energetic to be suppressed, gradually came to belong rather to the faction of the boys than to share the responsibilities of the elder sister, which might have been her natural place.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Betty came home at the end of the season with a sentiment in respect to Gerald Lyon, and with the prospect of many returns to Portman Square, but nothing final in her little case, nothing that prevented her from being one of the ringleaders in all the mischief which inevitably occurred when the family were gathered together.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE year went on in its usual routine, the boys came back from school, there was the usual move to the seaside, all mechanically performed under the impulse of use, and when the anniversary came round of the mother’s death, it passed, and the black dresses were gradually laid aside.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The second Christmas, instead of being forlorn, like the first, was almost the gayest that had been known in Kingswarden for many years.
