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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
apprenticenounUS /əˈprɛntɪs/
a person learning a trade from an experienced worker
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
ask
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
boss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
button-holes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
disgracenounUS /dɪsˈɡreɪs/
shame caused by unacceptable behaviour
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
don't
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From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
Ford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
gladden
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From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
God
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
grace
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From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
held
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From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
inspection
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From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
Jacob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
light
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From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
lining
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From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
Lucy's
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From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
matter
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From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
mighty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
minute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
paid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
pearlnounUS /pɜːrl/
a smooth round object formed inside a shell and valued as a jewel
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
Pray
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From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
Pray's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
rows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
seed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
shop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
smooth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
stitching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
tailors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
thank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
Very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
vest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
vests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
vownounUS /vaʊ/
a serious promise
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
wagesplural nounUS /ˈweɪdʒɪz/
money or a reward earned for work
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Very well done; button-holes strong and even, lining smooth; stitching, like rows of seed pearl.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading So, I don’t ask what wages other tailors give; that don’t matter to me.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is no apprentice work,” said Mr. John Pray, as he held Lucy’s vests up to the light for a more minute inspection.
workman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, I made a vow then, and thank God I have had grace to keep it, that if ever John Pray became a master workman, he would do as he would be done by.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “That’s a vest, now, as is a vest; won’t disgrace John Pray’s shop; it would gladden even the eyes of my old boss, Jacob Ford; and mighty particular he was, too, and mighty small wages the old man paid, as I have occasion to know.