adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
askedverbUS /æskt/
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
ATprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
BABIESnounUS /ˈbeɪbiz/
plural of “baby” — a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
boothnounUS /buːθ/
a table (in a restaurant or bar) surrounded by two high-backed benches
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
BUSINESSnounUS /ˈbɪznəs/
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
comprehendingverbUS /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhendɪŋ/
-ing form of “comprehend” — get the meaning of something
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading "I did," he confessed with a disappointed laugh.
ConstancenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəns/
a lake in southeastern Germany on the northern side of the Swiss Alps; forms part of the Rhine River
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
Constancite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
desirenounUS /dɪˈzaɪər/
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "I did," he confessed with a disappointed laugh.
disappointedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading "I did," he confessed with a disappointed laugh.
DOESauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
eh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
EVENadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
FAIRadjectiveUS /fer/
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
FUNDnounUS /fʌnd/
a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
gazenounUS /ɡeɪz/
a long fixed look
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
goodsnounUS /ɡʊdz/
plural of “good” — benefit
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I did," he confessed with a disappointed laugh.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
JOHNNYnounUS /ˈdʒɑːni/
“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
JoynounUS /dʒɔɪ/
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
laughnounUS /læf/
the sound of laughing
From this reading "I did," he confessed with a disappointed laugh.
lieverbUS /laɪ/
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
linenounUS /laɪn/
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
listenedverbUS /ˈlɪsənd/
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
matchverbUS /mætʃ/
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
mushyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌʃi/
having the consistency of mush
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
nervenounUS /nɜːrv/
any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
ParsonsnounUS /ˈpɑːrsənz/
United States sociologist (1902-1979)
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
perfectlyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrfəktli/
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
poetrynounUS /ˈpoʊətri/
literature in metrical form
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
Polly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
PrettyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪti/
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
rabidadjectiveUS /ˈræbɪd/
of or infected by rabies
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
realadjectiveUS /riːl/
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
seemsverbUS /siːmz/
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
starsnounUS /stɑːrz/
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
startverbUS /stɑːrt/
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "I hadn't the nerve to be mushy enough, though--and nothing else seems to be real poetry.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
tryverbUS /traɪ/
make an effort or attempt
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading I got one line that listened like the goods, but I couldn't match it up: 'As I lie awake and look at the stars--' Pretty good start, eh?
violetnounUS /ˈvaɪəlɪt/
any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
WhynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
wishverbUS /wɪʃ/
hope for; have a wish
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading "I did," he confessed with a disappointed laugh.
writeverbUS /raɪt/
produce a literary work
From this reading IN WHICH JOHNNY EVEN DOES BUSINESS AT THE BABIES' FUND FAIR "I wish I could write poetry," regretted Johnny, looking across at Constance Joy in the violet booth.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Why don't you try it?" asked Polly Parsons, following his gaze and comprehending his desire perfectly, for she, too, was a rabid Constancite.
