Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
admirable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
admiring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
ailing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
attention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
belladonna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
canine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
care
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
cared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
certainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
circumstances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
coach-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
course
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
diligent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
doubts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
drugs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
ears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
even
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
evident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
exercise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
externally-applied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
families
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
fed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
Finn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
FIRST
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
forgetful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
foster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
foster's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
foster-mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
fully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
half
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
health
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
illness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
inclined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
justified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
Kennels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
kindly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
looked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
Master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
Master's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
Mistress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
motives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
naturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
needs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
next
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
normal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
nursling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
obliged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
otherwise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
particularly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
pipe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
plebeian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
poor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
properly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
proved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
puppies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
quite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
saved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
scrupulous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
secondary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
severe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
sheep-dog
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
sit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
smoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
soul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
STEPS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
sterling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
stroke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
sturdy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
take
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
Tara's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Master's doubts about poor Tara's health had been fully justified.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
thorough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
unselfish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her puppies were thin and inclined to be ailing, and she herself was only just saved, by means of scrupulous care and attention, and the use of other drugs besides externally-applied belladonna, from a severe illness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
well-being
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading FIRST STEPS The sturdy, kindly, plebeian sheep-dog proved an admirable foster-mother, diligent, thorough, and forgetful of nothing, not even of her own needs and well-being, though it was evident that these were served from quite unselfish motives, and obliged to take a secondary place in all her thoughts.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
wont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was particularly well for Finn that the sheep-dog proved so sterling a soul; for, though he naturally knew and cared nothing about it all, Finn received less attention during the next few days from the Master and the Mistress than they were wont to give their canine families.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Of course, the foster was properly fed and given exercise and otherwise looked after; but the Master did not smoke his pipe in the coach-house, and the Mistress of the Kennels did not sit on the side of the bed for half an hour at a time and stroke the foster's ears while admiring her nursling, as certainly would have happened in normal circumstances.
