AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
AfricanadjectiveUS /ˈæfrəkən/
of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
artisticadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/
relating to or characteristic of art or artists
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
bargainnounUS /ˈbɑːrɡən/
an agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
BlackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
blocknounUS /blɑːk/
a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
BoardnounUS /bɔːrd/
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
BOLDadjectiveUS /boʊld/
fearless and daring
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
bootsnounUS /buːts/
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
breakverbUS /breɪk/
terminate
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
CartwrightnounUS /ˈkɑːrtraɪt/
English clergyman who invented the power loom (1743-1823)
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
Cartwright's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
coastnounUS /koʊst/
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
coatnounUS /koʊt/
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
columnsnounUS /ˈkɑːləmz/
plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
creditorsnounUS /ˈkredɪtərz/
plural of “creditor” — a person to whom money is owed by a debtor; someone to whom an obligation exists
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
elevatornounUS /ˈeləveɪtər/
lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
enclosedadjectiveUS /enˈkloʊzd/
closed in or surrounded or included within
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
facenounUS /feɪs/
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
floornounUS /flɔːr/
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
fortunenounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃən/
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
furnounUS /fɜːr/
the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
glovesnounUS /ɡlʌvz/
plural of “glove” — the handwear used by fielders in playing baseball
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
harmonizedadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrmənaɪzd/
involving or characterized by harmony
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/
of great significance or value
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
ironnounUS /ˈaɪərn/
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
learnverbUS /lɜːrn/
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
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 Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
mahoganynounUS /məˈhɑːɡəni/
wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
marblenounUS /ˈmɑːrbəl/
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
mendverbUS /mend/
restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
moldedadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊldəd/
shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
monthsnounUS /mʌnθs/
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
passagenounUS /ˈpæsədʒ/
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
plungeverbUS /plʌndʒ/
thrust or throw into
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
retireverbUS /rɪˈtaɪr/
go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
richadjectiveUS /rɪtʃ/
possessing material wealth
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
roofnounUS /ruːf/
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
shaftnounUS /ʃæft/
a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
shiningadjectiveUS /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
sixnounUS /sɪks/
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
SPECULATIONnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
stairsnounUS /sterz/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
straightadjectiveUS /streɪt/
successive (without a break)
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
supportedadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪd/
sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
UnlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading Unless he got straight in the next six months, he must retire from the Board and make the best bargain possible with his creditors.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
varnishedadjectiveUS /ˈvɑːrnɪʃt/
having a coating of stain or varnish
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
weeksnounUS /wiːks/
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
weighingnounUS /ˈweɪɪŋ/
careful consideration
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
wentverbUS /went/
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
wideadjectiveUS /waɪd/
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Cartwright's fur coat and gloves and varnished boots harmonized with the surroundings; he looked rich and important, but as he went along the corridor his face was stern.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Black marble columns supported the molded roof of the long passage, the wide stairs were guarded by polished mahogany and shining brass, and a screen of artistic iron work enclosed the elevator shaft.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He was going to make a plunge that would mend or break his fortune.
wrecknounUS /rek/
something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation
From this reading A BOLD SPECULATION After weighing for some weeks all he could learn about the wreck on the African coast, Cartwright went to London and was carried up one morning to the second floor of an imposing office block.
