adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
adoptverbUS /əˈdɑːpt/
choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
afraidadjectiveUS /əˈfreɪd/
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
appearverbUS /əˈpɪr/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
assuredadjectiveUS /əˈʃʊrd/
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/
being joined in close association
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
bottomnounUS /ˈbɑːtəm/
the lower side of anything
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
childishadjectiveUS /ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/
indicating a lack of maturity
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/
a conference (usually with someone important)
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
counternounUS /ˈkaʊntər/
table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/
dearly loved
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
decisionnounUS /dɪˈsɪʒən/
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
desiredadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪərd/
wanted intensely
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
discoveredadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
doingverbUS /ˈduːɪŋ/
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
earnestlyadverbUS /ˈɜːrnəstli/
in a serious manner
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
EuropenounUS /ˈjʊrəp/
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
expressingverbUS /ɪkˈspresɪŋ/
-ing form of “express” — give expression to
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
graduallyadverbUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəli/
in a gradual manner
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/
compatibility in opinion and action
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
heartsnounUS /hɑːrts/
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
homenounUS /hoʊm/
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
inclinedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪnd/
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
islandnounUS /ˈaɪlənd/
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
knewverbUS /nuː/
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
layverbUS /leɪ/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
leastadjectiveUS /liːst/
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
leaveverbUS /liːv/
go away from a place
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
momentousadjectiveUS /moʊˈmentəs/
of very great significance
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
NeitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
NewadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
nightnounUS /naɪt/
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
opinionnounUS /əˈpɪnjən/
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
realadjectiveUS /riːl/
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
remainverbUS /rɪˈmeɪn/
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
restverbUS /rest/
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
runverbUS /rʌn/
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
simplyadverbUS /ˈsɪmpli/
and nothing more
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
sonsnounUS /sʌnz/
plural of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
spendverbUS /spend/
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
SwitzerlandnounUS /ˈswɪtsərlənd/
a landlocked federal republic in central Europe
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
thenceforward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
thitheradverbUS /ˈðɪθɜːr/
an old word meaning “to that place”
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
undertakeverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪk/
enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
voyagenounUS /ˈvɔɪədʒ/
an act of traveling by water
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
well-groundedadjective
logically valid
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
wifenounUS /waɪf/
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
wishverbUS /wɪʃ/
hope for; have a wish
From this reading Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
wishedverbUS /wɪʃt/
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to remain.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
