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Little Daffydowndilly
Little Daffydowndilly

Chapter I

Cover illustration for Little Daffydowndilly
Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
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Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.
But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.
Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.
Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.
Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Little Daffydowndilly

Chapter I

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.
Line 2
But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.
Line 3
Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.
Line 4
Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.
Line 5
Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

Learner Dictionary

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

Anybody pronoun US /ˈenibədi/

any person at all

From this reading “Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.”

Name noun US /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

Nevertheless adverb US /ˌnevərðəˈles/

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading “Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.”

Pleasant noun US /pleasant/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

Worthy adjective US /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading “Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.”

All words in this reading · 116

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

Adam

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

affirmed

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

agreeable

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

all

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

any

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

anybodypronounUS /ˈenibədi/

any person at all

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

away

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

beautiful

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

best

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

big

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

boy

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

boys

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

called

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

care

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

Certainly

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

character

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

children

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

countenance

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

customs

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

Daffydowndilly

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

deal

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

delight

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

disagreeable

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

driven

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

dwelt

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

earth

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

Eden

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

else

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

enough

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

especially

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

flower

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

friend

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

garden

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

grown

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

harsh

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

home

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

idle

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

inclined

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

kind

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

knew

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

labor

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

lived

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

loved

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

men

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

more

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

mother

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

Mr

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

namenounUS /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

nature

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

NeverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

only

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

people

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

pleasantnounUS /pleasant/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

put

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

resembled

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

schoolmaster

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

sent

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

severe

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

stories

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

strict

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

Toil

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

too

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

true

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

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

ugly

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

very

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

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

voice

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

ways

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.

world

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

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil.