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 SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
amused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
ASKS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
caller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
cavalry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
circles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
coat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
comfortable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
corduroy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
corner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
curious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
dilapidated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
dine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
directlynounUS /ˈdirectly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
dwelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
feeding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
fishing-rod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
fortnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
fowling-piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
freeadjectiveUS /friː/
acting without enough restraint or discipline
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
Friday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
furnace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
harmoniously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
Harwood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
learned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
library
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
minister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
minister's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
nine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
odor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
orthodox
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
an old-fashioned sitting room
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
pipe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
profanely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
QUESTIONS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
reaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
retirement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
sabre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
saddle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
sermons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
smoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
study
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
SYLVIA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
theological
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A saddle, a fishing-rod, and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner, and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
Ware
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
Wares
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
ways
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Sylvia went directly to the Wares' from school, and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
whispered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
winter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been whispered in orthodox circles that Ware had amused himself one winter after his retirement by profanely feeding his theological library into the furnace.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading SYLVIA ASKS QUESTIONS The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later, and Harwood was to call for her at the minister's at nine o'clock.
wraps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
written
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sylvia, who knew the ways of the house well, left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study, that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke, and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written.
