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 It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
addednounUS /added/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
adjusted
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From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
anniversary
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From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
assisted
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From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
beautiful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
black
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From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
brunette
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
cases
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From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
chapters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
charming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
choice
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From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
clasping
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From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
class
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From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
companion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
containing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
countess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
dazzling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
degree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
deliberation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
diadem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
diamonds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
disaster
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From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
elegant
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From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
enjoy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
enormous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
eventful
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From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
evidently
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From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
expressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
familiarity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
figure
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From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
finishing
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From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
firmness
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From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
Five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
giving
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From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
glided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
important
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
incidents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
intelligence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
jewel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
list
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
magnificent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
maids
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
mistress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
necklace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
nine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
observations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
occupation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
older
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
ornaments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
pearls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
permitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
preceding
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From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
preciousadjectiveUS /ˈpreʃəs/
rare and worth a great deal
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
raven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
related
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
rubies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
Russian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
serious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
service
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
skillful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
slender
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
sparkling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
stones
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
throatnounUS /θroʊt/
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
toilet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
toilette
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
tolerated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
touches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
usually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
value
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The choice of these diamonds had evidently been made after much deliberation, for a number of jewel cases, containing pearls, rubies, and other precious ornaments of enormous value, still lay open on a toilet table near by.
Versailles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading One of the maids, being much older than her companion, and having been in the service of her mistress for many years, seemed to enjoy a certain degree of familiarity near the countess--who was a Russian as well as herself--which permitted her many observations not usually tolerated from her class.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She was assisted in this serious and important occupation by two skillful maids, one of whom was clasping a necklace of large, sparkling diamonds around the white throat of her charming mistress, while the other adjusted a magnificent diadem of the same precious stones on the raven black hair.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and a tall, slender brunette, of elegant form and figure, whose beautiful face expressed intelligence and firmness both, was giving the finishing touches to a dazzling toilette.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Five years had glided by since the eventful incidents related in the preceding chapters, and another anniversary of the Versailles disaster had been added to the list.
