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Jaffery
Jaffery

Chapter XIV

Cover illustration for Jaffery
Context Illustration Reading 1/75 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.
She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.
And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.
A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.
The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Jaffery

Chapter XIV

Reading 1/75 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.
Line 2
She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.
Line 3
And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.
Line 4
A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.
Line 5
The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.”

Beyond preposition US /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading “The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.”

Leafless adjective US /ˈliːfləs/

having no leaves, usually because of the season

From this reading “And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.”

Mantle noun US /ˈmæntəl/

a loose covering like a cloak

From this reading “It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.”

All words in this reading · 132

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 It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

accomplished

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

alien

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

April

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

arrow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

assume

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

awakened

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

barrenness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

beds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

bloom

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

blue

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

boles

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

borrowed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

buds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

build

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

butterfly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

cane

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

chair

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

chippering

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

clamorous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

cosy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

crevices

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

daffodils

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

danced

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

day

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

days

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

deep

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

Doria

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

early

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

flaunts

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

flower

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

forks

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

full

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

furs

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

furtive

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

gay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

gold

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

golden

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

gorgeous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

grass

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

hawthorn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

hollow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

homes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

hyacinths

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

immature

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

jackdaws

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

laughing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

lawn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

lay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

leaflessadjectiveUS /ˈliːfləs/

having no leaves, usually because of the season

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

leaves

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

like

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

lilac

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

madcap

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

made

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

mantlenounUS /ˈmæntəl/

a loose covering like a cloak

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

masquerade

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

nests

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

pale

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

pathetic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

peeped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

queen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

shone

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

shy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

side

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

sky

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

slumber

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

sped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

Spring

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

starlings

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

summer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

sunshine

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

swarms

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

swelling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

tender

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

thousand

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

tiniest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

tips

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

topmost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

travesty

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

trees

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

tulips

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

walnuts

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

warmly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

wasps

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

winter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

winter-palaces

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

worked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.

world

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A pale butterfly here and there accomplished its early day, and queen wasps awakened from their winter slumber in cosy crevices, the tiniest winter-palaces in the world, sped like golden arrow tips to and from the homes they had to build alone for the swarms that were to come.

wrapped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The flower beds shone gay with tulips and hyacinths; in the long grass beyond the lawn and under the trees danced a thousand daffodils; and by their side warmly wrapped up in furs lay Doria on a long cane chair.

young

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was a gorgeous April day--one of those days when young Spring in madcap masquerade flaunts it in the borrowed mantle of summer.

youth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She could assume the deep blue of the sky and the gold of the sunshine, but through all the travesty peeped her laughing youth, the little tender leaves on the trees, the first shy bloom of the lilac, the swelling of the hawthorn buds, the pathetic immature barrenness of the walnuts.

zeal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And even the leafless walnuts were full of alien life, for in their hollow boles chippering starlings made furtive nests, and in their topmost forks jackdaws worked with clamorous zeal.