adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/
in the past
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
aislenounUS /aɪl/
a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
asideadverbUS /əˈsaɪd/
on or to one side
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
assumptionnounUS /əˈsʌmpʃən/
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
Bear-trap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/
next to; at the side of
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/
brought into existence
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
brainnounUS /breɪn/
that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
calmlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmli/
with self-possession (especially in times of stress)
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
capableadjectiveUS /ˈkeɪpəbəl/
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
chillieradjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪliər/
comparative of “chilly” — not characterized by emotion
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
chooseverbUS /tʃuːz/
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
CollinsnounUS /ˈkɑːlɪnz/
English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889)
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
conductverbUS /ˈkɑːndəkt/
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
considerationnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃən/
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
engagingadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/
attracting or delighting
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
excitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
excusesnounUS /ɪksˈkjuːsɪz/
plural of “excuse” — a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
existedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪstəd/
past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
familiaritynounUS /fəˌmɪˈljerəti/
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
fatenounUS /feɪt/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
flamedverbUS /fleɪmd/
past form of “flame” — shine with a sudden light
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
flungverbUS /flʌŋ/
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
footingnounUS /ˈfʊtɪŋ/
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
garbedadjectiveUS /ɡɑːrbd/
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
guessverbUS /ɡes/
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
hauteurnoun
overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
HIMSELFpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
icenounUS /aɪs/
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
impedimentanoun
any structure that makes progress difficult
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
INTRODUCESverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːsɪz/
third-person singular of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
ironynounUS /ˈaɪrəni/
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
mannersnounUS /ˈmænərz/
social deportment
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
meansnounUS /miːnz/
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
meetverbUS /miːt/
come together
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
MissverbUS /mɪs/
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
PicturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
presumingverbUS /prɪˈzuːmɪŋ/
-ing form of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
pretendedadjectiveUS /priˈtendɪd/
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
reasonsnounUS /ˈriːzənz/
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
resentverbUS /rɪˈzent/
feel bitter or indignant about
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
sharedadjectiveUS /ʃerd/
have in common; held or experienced in common
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
SHERIFFnounUS /ˈʃerəf/
the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
steppedverbUS /stept/
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
surgeverbUS /sɜːrdʒ/
rise and move, as in waves or billows
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
suspicionnounUS /səˈspɪʃən/
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
thankverbUS /θæŋk/
express gratitude or show appreciation to
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
townounUS /toʊ/
the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
triumphnounUS /ˈtraɪəmf/
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
unconventionaladjectiveUS /ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənəl/
not conforming to accepted rules or standards
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
undoingnounUS /ənˈduːɪŋ/
an act that makes a previous act of no effect (as if not done)
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
undueadjectiveUS /ənˈduː/
not yet payable
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
Wainwright's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SHERIFF INTRODUCES HIMSELF Bear-trap Collins, presuming on the new intimacy born of an exciting experience shared in common, stepped across the aisle, flung aside Miss Wainwright’s impedimenta, and calmly seated himself beside her.
wantingadjectiveUS /ˈwɑːntɪŋ/
nonexistent
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Picturesque and unconventional conduct excuses itself when it is garbed in picturesque and engaging manners.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading She had, besides, other reasons for wanting to meet him, and they had to do with a sudden suspicion that flamed like tow in her brain.
womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
wonderingadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndərɪŋ/
showing curiosity
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She had something for which to thank him—much more than he would be likely to guess, she thought—and she was wondering, with a surge of triumph, whether the irony of fate had not made his pretended consideration for her the means of his undoing.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She was a young woman capable of a hauteur chillier than ice to undue familiarity, but she did not choose at this moment to resent his assumption of a footing that had not existed an hour ago.
