adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
affairnounUS /əˈfer/
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
afreshadverbUS /əˈfreʃ/
again but in a new or different way
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
amissadjectiveUS /əˈmɪs/
not functioning properly
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
anybodypronounUS /ˈenibədi/
any person at all
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
auntnounUS /ænt/
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
bereavednounUS /bərˈiːvd/
a person who has suffered the death of someone they loved
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
bitsnounUS /bɪts/
plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
causenounUS /kɑːz/
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
certainlyadverbUS /ˈsɜːrtənli/
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
cheeksnounUS /tʃiːks/
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
children's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/
a state at a particular time
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
considerationnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃən/
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
coursenounUS /kɔːrs/
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
cryverbUS /kraɪ/
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
delicateadjectiveUS /ˈdeləkət/
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
devotionnounUS /dɪˈvoʊʃən/
feelings of ardent love
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
dispatchedverbUS /dɪˈspætʃt/
past form of “dispatch” — send away towards a designated goal
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
disturbancenounUS /dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
doubtnounUS /daʊt/
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
drawingnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
fancifuladjectiveUS /ˈfænsɪfəl/
indulging in or influenced by fancy
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
flushedadjectiveUS /flʌʃt/
having the pinkish flush of health
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
FoolishadjectiveUS /ˈfuːlɪʃ/
devoid of good sense or judgment
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
grandmamma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
griefnounUS /ɡriːf/
intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
handledadjectiveUS /ˈhændəld/
having a usually specified type of handle
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
hardlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdli/
only a very short time before
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
highlyadverbUS /ˈhaɪli/
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/
the aggregate of past events
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
imagineverbUS /ˌɪˈmædʒən/
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
immediatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈmiːdiːətli/
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
lossnounUS /lɔːs/
something that is lost
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
motherlessadjectiveUS /ˈmʌðərlɪs/
having no living or known mother
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
nonsensenounUS /ˈnɑːnsens/
a message that seems to convey no meaning
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
nurseverbUS /nɜːrs/
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
OfprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
onesnounUS /wʌnz/
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
properlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːpərli/
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
rednounUS /red/
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
requiredadjectiveUS /riˈkwaɪərd/
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/
only a very short time before
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
solitaryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləteri/
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
soundsnounUS /saʊndz/
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
stupidadjectiveUS /ˈstuːpəd/
lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
swelledadjectiveUS /sweld/
feeling self-importance
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
tellverbUS /tel/
express in words
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
TodnounUS /tɑːd/
a unit of weight for wool equal to about 28 pounds
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
tookverbUS /tʊk/
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
troublenounUS /ˈtrʌbəl/
a source of difficulty
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
turnverbUS /tɜːrn/
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
up-stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
utterverbUS /ˈʌtər/
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
vexatiousadjectiveUS /vekˈseɪʃəs/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Of course, grandmamma and aunt immediately made inquiries as to the reason of so much disturbance, but the children were scarcely able to utter the usual 'good morning;' and when called upon to tell their cause of trouble, did nothing but begin to cry afresh.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
Whereupon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Whereupon their aunt was dispatched up-stairs to find out what was amiss; and then, for the first time, she heard from the nurse the history of the Tod family, the children's devotion to them, and their present vexatious grief about the loss of a solitary one of what she called their stupid bits of nonsense.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading "Foolish as the whole affair sounds in looking back upon it, it certainly was one which required rather delicate handling, and I doubt whether anybody but a mother could have handled it properly.
wishverbUS /wɪʃ/
hope for; have a wish
From this reading Grandmamma and aunt had every wish to do for the best, but they hardly took enough into consideration, either the bereaved condition of those motherless little ones, or their highly fanciful turn of mind.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You can just imagine their appearance when they entered the drawing- room with their eyes red and swelled, their cheeks flushed, and anything but a pleasant expression over their faces.
