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 nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/
weapons considered collectively
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
boardnounUS /bɔːrd/
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
brushverbUS /brʌʃ/
rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
CalifornianounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/
a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
Cañon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
clutchnounUS /klʌtʃ/
the act of grasping
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
DEPARTUREnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/
the act of departing
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
directlyadverbUS /dərˈektli/
without deviation
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
dissensionnounUS /dɪˈsenʃən/
disagreement among those expected to cooperate
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
dustyadjectiveUS /ˈdʌsti/
covered with a layer of dust
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
fasteningnounUS /ˈfæsənɪŋ/
restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
feetnounUS /fiːt/
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
firmlyadverbUS /ˈfɜːrmli/
with resolute determination
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
Flores
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
Geoffrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
girlsnounUS /ɡɜːrlz/
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
gracenounUS /ɡreɪs/
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
groundnounUS /ɡraʊnd/
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
handledadjectiveUS /ˈhændəld/
having a usually specified type of handle
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
heldadjectiveUS /held/
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
hugeadjectiveUS /hjuːdʒ/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
implementsnounUS /ˈɪmpləmənts/
plural of “implement” — instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
incommoded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
ITpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
LasnounUS /lɑːs/
plural of “la” — a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
laughingadjectiveUS /ˈlæfɪŋ/
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
layverbUS /leɪ/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
legsnounUS /leɡz/
staying power
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
lengthnounUS /leŋkθ/
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
live-oak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
nailedverbUS /neɪld/
past form of “nail” — attach something somewhere by means of nails
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
nearadverbUS /nɪr/
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
ninenounUS /naɪn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
objectnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekt/
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
paintverbUS /peɪnt/
make a painting
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
potnounUS /pɑːt/
metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
PREPARATIONnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
pulledverbUS /pʊld/
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
redwoodnounUS /ˈredwʊd/
the soft reddish wood of either of two species of sequoia trees
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
StrongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
sunnyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌni/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
treenounUS /triː/
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
treesnounUS /triːz/
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
trousersnounUS /ˈtraʊzərz/
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE ‘One to make ready, and two to prepare.’
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
upwardadjectiveUS /ˈʌpwərd/
directed up
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
urchinnounUS /ˈɜːrtʃən/
poor and often mischievous city child
From this reading He was further incommoded by the presence of a small urchin who lay on the dusty ground beneath his feet, fastening an upward clutch on the legs of his trousers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
wiselyadverbUS /ˈwaɪzli/
in a wise manner
From this reading He could have handled these implements to better purpose and with better grace had not his arms been firmly held by three laughing girls, who pulled not wisely, but too well.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading IT was nine o’clock one sunny California morning, and Geoffrey Strong stood under the live-oak trees in Las Flores Cañon, with a pot of black paint in one hand and a huge brush in the other.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading There were three large canvas tents directly in front of them, yet no one of these seemed to be the object of dissension, but rather a redwood board, some three feet in length, which was nailed on a tree near by.
