adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
altogetheradverbUS /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
ballnounUS /bɔːl/
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
cleanadjectiveUS /kliːn/
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
clearverbUS /klɪr/
rid of obstructions
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
delicateadjectiveUS /ˈdeləkət/
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
dimitynoun
a strong cotton fabric with a raised pattern; used for bedcovers and curtains
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
dirtyadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
doctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/
possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
fringenounUS /frɪndʒ/
the outside boundary or surface of something
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
girl'snounUS /ɡɜːrlz/
possessive form of “girl” — a young female
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
gracefuladjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪsfəl/
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
HYSTERICSnounUS /ˌhɪˈsterɪks/
an attack of hysteria
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
LETTER-WRITING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
likedadjectiveUS /laɪkt/
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
mahoganynounUS /məˈhɑːɡəni/
wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
mantelnounUS /ˈmæntəl/
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
mouldingsnounUS /ˈmoʊldɪŋz/
plural of “moulding” — a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
paintverbUS /peɪnt/
make a painting
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
satnounUS /sæt/
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
stylenounUS /staɪl/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
talladjectiveUS /tɔːl/
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
tasselnounUS /ˈtæsəl/
adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading They had never been dirty, they never could be dirty, the young doctor thought; some things must always be fresh and clean; like that girl's dresses.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
wainscotingnoun
a wainscoted wall (or wainscoted walls collectively)
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a pleasant room, looking upon the garden, and in style and furnishing altogether to the young doctor's taste.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The dimity curtains, too, with their ball and tassel fringe, were of such a fresh clear white.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He liked the tall narrow mantel, with its delicate mouldings; he liked the white paint, and the high wainscoting against which, the old mahogany came out so well; and he liked the mahogany itself, which was in quaint and graceful shapes.
writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/
the act of creating written works
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading LETTER-WRITING AND HYSTERICS The young doctor sat in his room writing.
