adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
acquiescencenounUS /ˌækwiˈesəns/
acceptance without protest
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
appointedadjectiveUS /əˈpɔɪntɪd/
subject to appointment
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
balanceverbUS /ˈbæləns/
bring into balance or equilibrium
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
bestowalnoun
the act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
bitternessnounUS /ˈbɪtərnəs/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
chambernounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbər/
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
cloudverbUS /klaʊd/
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
completeverbUS /kəmˈpliːt/
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
conspiredverbUS /kənˈspaɪərd/
past form of “conspire” — engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
devoidadjectiveUS /dɪˈvɔɪd/
completely wanting or lacking
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
directedadjectiveUS /dərˈektəd/
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
disturbedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɜːrbd/
having the place or position changed
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
door-keeper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
enduringadjectiveUS /enˈdjʊrɪŋ/
lasting a long time
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
enviousadjectiveUS /ˈenviəs/
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
fixedadjectiveUS /fɪkst/
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
flasknounUS /flæsk/
bottle that has a narrow neck
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
forbore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
harmoniousadjectiveUS /hɑːrˈmoʊniəs/
musically pleasing
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
Hwa-mei
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
importunitynoun
insistent solicitation and entreaty
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
IncredibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredəbəl/
beyond belief or understanding
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/
past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
inneradjectiveUS /ˈɪnər/
located inward
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
Kai
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
lateradverbUS /ˈleɪtər/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
Li-loe's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
LungnounUS /lʌŋ/
either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
Mandarin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
mediocreadjectiveUS /ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər/
moderate to inferior in quality
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
messagenounUS /ˈmesədʒ/
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
metverbUS /met/
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
obscureverbUS /əbsˈkjʊr/
make less visible or unclear
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
Obtusenessnoun
the quality of being slow to understand
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
OpposedadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzd/
being in opposition or having an opponent
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
pathnounUS /pæθ/
a course of conduct
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
plansnounUS /plænz/
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
remembrancenounUS /riˈmembrəns/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
reproachnounUS /riˈproʊtʃ/
a mild rebuke or criticism
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
securedverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrd/
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
shoneverbUS /ʃoʊn/
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
shutternounUS /ˈʃʌtər/
a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
soundsnounUS /saʊndz/
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
speakingnounUS /ˈspiːkɪŋ/
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
starnounUS /stɑːr/
(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
stingverbUS /stɪŋ/
cause a sharp or stinging pain or discomfort
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
storenounUS /stɔːr/
a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
story-teller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
sympathynounUS /ˈsɪmpəθi/
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A star has shone across my mediocre path which now an envious cloud has conspired to obscure.
understandingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
vaster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
veiledadjectiveUS /veɪld/
having or as if having a veil or concealing cover
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
VirtuousadjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːəs/
morally excellent
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin’s importunity had disturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement.
winenounUS /waɪn/
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading Li-loe’s acquiescence had been secured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
wordnounUS /wɜːrd/
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading As the story-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood.
wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/
the words that are spoken
From this reading “Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid of sting.
