adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
acceptingadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪŋ/
tolerating without protest
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
accountsnounUS /əˈkaʊnts/
plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
alarmnounUS /əˈlɑːrm/
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
angernounUS /ˈæŋɡər/
a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
antecedentsnounUS /ˌæntɪˈsiːdənts/
plural of “antecedent” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
askedverbUS /æskt/
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
AuntnounUS /ænt/
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
Aylett's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
biddingnounUS /ˈbɪdɪŋ/
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
collegenounUS /ˈkɑːlɪdʒ/
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
cooladjectiveUS /kuːl/
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
deprecatingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
dinnernounUS /ˈdɪnər/
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
doornounUS /dɔːr/
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
enterverbUS /ˈentər/
to come or go into
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
eyenounUS /aɪ/
the organ of sight
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
FamilynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
gentlemannounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/
a man of refinement
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
herspronounUS /hərz/
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
impassiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpæsɪv/
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
interviewverbUS /ˈɪntərvjuː/
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
invitationnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
knockedverbUS /nɑːkt/
past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
knowverbUS /noʊ/
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
liftedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪftəd/
held up in the air
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
listenverbUS /ˈlɪsən/
hear with intention
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
livingnounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋ/
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
mannernounUS /ˈmænər/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
mortaladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrtəl/
subject to death
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
naturallyadverbUS /ˈnætʃərəli/
as might be expected
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
nephew'snounUS /ˈnefjuːz/
possessive form of “nephew” — a son of your brother or sister
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
passionsnounUS /ˈpæʃənz/
plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
plantationnounUS /ˌplænˈteɪʃən/
an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
RachelnounUS /ˈreɪtʃəl/
(Old Testament) the second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
repliedverbUS /rɪˈplaɪd/
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
saidadjectiveUS /sed/
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
surprisenounUS /sərˈpraɪz/
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
tempernounUS /ˈtempər/
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
testifyverbUS /ˈtestəfaɪ/
give testimony in a court of law
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
toldverbUS /toʊld/
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
traditionnounUS /trəˈdɪʃən/
an inherited pattern of thought or action
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
violentadjectiveUS /ˈvaɪələnt/
acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own--polished and cool.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
woreverbUS /wɔːr/
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of his character and antecedents?”
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter.
