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 He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
absent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
account
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
allow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
averted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
aware
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
backward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
become
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
begun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
bothering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
breeze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
cloud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
Dalyell's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
defying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
disagreement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
discover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
discussed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
distracted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
Edinburgh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
embarrassment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
eternal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
flush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
fundamental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
getting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
girls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
hopes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
important
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
inclosure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
intimated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
looks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
marry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
member
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
neighbourhood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
opposing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
overcast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
Oxford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
phrases
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
prospects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
rent-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
repairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
restrained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
rumour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
spread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
stage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
storm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
subdued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
Susie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
tenants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
trifles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
trifling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
trouble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
troublesome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
uneasiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
unexplained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
visible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
walls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
Wedderburn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
wilful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
wonderednounUS /wondered/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
worry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
