used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
blackmailingverbUS /ˈblækmeɪlɪŋ/
-ing form of “blackmail” — exert pressure on someone through threats
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
calmeradjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmər/
comparative of “calm” — not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
chicanerynounUS /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/
the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
complicatedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpləkeɪtəd/
difficult to analyze or understand
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
damnableadjective
deserving a curse
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
denouncedverbUS /dɪˈnaʊnst/
past form of “denounce” — speak out against
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
true confidential information
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
an opposing military force
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
divisible by two
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
not accessible to view
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
hystericaladjectiveUS /hɪˈsterɪkəl/
characterized by or arising from psychoneurotic hysteria
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
inheritancenounUS /ˌɪnˈherətəns/
hereditary succession to a title or an office or property
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
intricateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəkət/
having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
knavesnounUS /neɪvz/
plural of “knave” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
a room where books are kept
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
loudlyadverbUS /ˈlaʊdli/
with relatively high volume
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
machinerynounUS /məˈʃiːnəri/
machines or machine systems collectively
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
Marsh'snounUS /ˈmɑːrʃɪz/
possessive form of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
not any; not one
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
orphannounUS /ˈɔːrfən/
a child who has lost both parents
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
Paula's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
ponderousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːndərəs/
slow and laborious because of weight
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
relatingverbUS /rɪˈleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
revelationnounUS /ˌrevəˈleɪʃən/
the speech act of making something evident
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
shieldnounUS /ʃiːld/
a protective covering or structure
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading At first he loudly denounced it as a damnable lie, a blackmailing scheme, the invention of some hidden enemy.
that is looked for
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
stepfather's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
structurenounUS /ˈstrʌktʃər/
a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
swearingnounUS /ˈswerɪŋ/
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
Tod's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
toppleverbUS /ˈtɑːpəl/
fall down, as if collapsing
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Then, as he grew calmer and learned more details, he began to realize that the elaborate structure which he had built up so carefully for years was about to topple and in his disappointment he grew almost hysterical.
which person or people
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Tod's startling revelation in his stepfather's library, the morning the will was being read, regarding John Marsh's secret marriage, came as a terrible shock to Jimmy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They were even more complicated, for the law, with all its ponderous, intricate machinery, all its chicanery and false swearing, had been set in motion, not to protect the orphan but to shield those knaves who sought to enjoy what was not their own.
a late time of life
From this reading Two years had slipped by since Paula's return to America and matters relating to the inheritance were no nearer actual settlement than before.
