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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
apron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
base
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
blink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
bolt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
bosom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
cap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
cast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
causing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
chain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
chink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
coiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
confronted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
coquettish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
crossed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
danced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
doctornounUS /doctor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
door-jamb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
draught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
extent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
faint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
flames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
flickered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
footstep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
gig-lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
gold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
inquisitive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
jet-black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
jewellery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
locket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
massive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
neatly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
neck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
passagenounUS /ˈpassage/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
pendant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
perched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
preparations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
rays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
seconds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
shone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
silk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
softly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
solid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
staring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
stiff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
threshold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
thrice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
Tresize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
tresses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
waving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
widow's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
withdrawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
wore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
