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 Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
account
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was he to be called upon to explain his views, to give an account of his opinions!
akin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
Amery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
awakened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
believed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
blighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
bloodnounUS /blood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
bounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
breast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
called
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was he to be called upon to explain his views, to give an account of his opinions!
cause
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
conscientious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
dangerous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
depths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were the depths of his mind to be sounded by the feeble thread of a woman’s judgment!
dismissed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
doubts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
effort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
emotion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
explain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was he to be called upon to explain his views, to give an account of his opinions!
eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
fancy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
fears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
feeble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
flights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
Flora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was he to be called upon to explain his views, to give an account of his opinions!
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
happiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
hopes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
improbable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
indignation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
instrument
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
judgment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were the depths of his mind to be sounded by the feeble thread of a woman’s judgment!
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
with sharp attention or strong interest
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
marred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
meet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
meeting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
merchant's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
misinterpreted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
nayexclamationUS /neɪ/
an old word for “no”
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
opinions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was he to be called upon to explain his views, to give an account of his opinions!
opposition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
possibility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
rested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
scruples
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
sentiment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
shrinking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
Sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
smiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
sounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were the depths of his mind to be sounded by the feeble thread of a woman’s judgment!
succeeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
successful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
suggested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
suit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
thread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were the depths of his mind to be sounded by the feeble thread of a woman’s judgment!
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
trembling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
views
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was he to be called upon to explain his views, to give an account of his opinions!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
Wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Were the depths of his mind to be sounded by the feeble thread of a woman’s judgment!
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What was it to her what he thought or believed--it was not to be expected that she should understand _him_!
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When, therefore, the anxious, trembling mother, received him with an emotion of which he at first misinterpreted the cause--when, by an effort which sent back the blood to her heart, she told him of her doubts, of her fears, shrinking from meeting the bright eye which rested so keenly upon her--the first sentiment awakened in his breast was one of surprise, succeeded by something akin to indignation.
widow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
wildest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
woman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were the depths of his mind to be sounded by the feeble thread of a woman’s judgment!
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Had the idea been suggested to Sir Amery that his suit for the hand of Flora would meet with opposition in her home, he would have smiled at it as something more improbable than the wildest flights of his fancy; but the thought that such opposition might be dangerous, nay, successful--that his hopes might be blighted, his happiness marred, and that by an instrument so feeble as the conscientious scruples of a merchant’s widow--such thought would have been at once dismissed from his mind as beyond the bounds of possibility.
