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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 SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
accordingly
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
acquaintance
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
admiration
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From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
appraisers
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From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
belowstairs
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
best
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
bonds
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
Caution
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
CHARACTER
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
christenednounUS /ˈchristened/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
circumnavigated
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
circumscribed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
conceived
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From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
cordiality
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
Cure
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
decided
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
deeply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
demonstrations
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
discipline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
doing
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
drawing-room
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
early
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
elders
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
encountered
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From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
enjoying
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
escaping
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
execution
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
features
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
finding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
funny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
furniture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
hand
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
ill-timed
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
immature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
intent
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
interested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
inventory
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
judgment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
kitchen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
laboriously
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
liking
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From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
lives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
making
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
man
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
new
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
notebook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
obstruct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
once
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From this reading They had encountered Mr. Stillbottle in the kitchen, and had conceived a liking for him at once.
opportunity
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
owing
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
performance
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From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
pinchednounUS /ˈpinched/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
preoccupation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
professional
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
PUBLIC
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
pursue
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
region
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From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
relaxed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
respect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
Samuel
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From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
scaled
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From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
seized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
series
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
severity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
SIDELIGHTS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
siesta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
staircase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
stepnounUS /step/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
Stillbottle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
Stillbottle's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
supposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They had accordingly decided to spend the rest of their lives in his company, and with that intent in view had laboriously scaled the staircase, and were now doing their best, by a series of ill-timed demonstrations of cordiality, to obstruct their new friend in the execution of his duty.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
unqualified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
unusually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
view
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was followed, step for step, by the deeply interested Caution and Cure, who, finding the bonds of discipline unusually relaxed, owing to the preoccupation of their elders, had seized an early opportunity of escaping from the region belowstairs in which they were supposed to be enjoying their afternoon siesta, in order to pursue their acquaintance with the gentleman whom they had christened, on sight, "the funny man."
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading SIDELIGHTS ON A PUBLIC CHARACTER Mr. Samuel Stillbottle, notebook in hand, with a look of professional severity upon his pinched features, slowly circumnavigated the drawing-room, making an inventory of the furniture.
won
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As appraisers of character their point of view was circumscribed and their judgment immature; but Mr. Stillbottle’s performance at dinner had won their unqualified respect and admiration.
