adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
affordverbUS /əˈfɔːrd/
be able to spare or give up
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
agingnounUS /ˈeɪdʒɪŋ/
acquiring desirable qualities by being left undisturbed for some time
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
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 Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/
from appearances alone
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
battlenounUS /ˈbætəl/
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
bordernounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/
a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
BuddhistnounUS /ˈbuːdəst/
one who follows the teachings of Buddha
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
Chan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
changedadjectiveUS /tʃeɪndʒd/
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
childnounUS /tʃaɪld/
a young person of either sex
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
childhoodnounUS /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
closeradverbUS /ˈkloʊsər/
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
comingnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋ/
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
daughternounUS /ˈdɔːtər/
a female human offspring
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
devoutadjectiveUS /dɪˈvaʊt/
deeply religious
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
diligentlyadverbUS /ˈdɪlədʒəntli/
with diligence; in a diligent manner
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
dutiesnounUS /ˈduːtiz/
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
editionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
educationnounUS /ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən/
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
enterverbUS /ˈentər/
to come or go into
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
existencenounUS /eɡˈzɪstəns/
the state or fact of existing
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
feebleadjectiveUS /ˈfiːbəl/
pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
FootnotenounUS /ˈfʊtnoʊt/
a printed note placed below the text on a printed page
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
gainingverbUS /ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
girlhoodnounUS /ˈɡɜːrlhʊd/
the childhood of a girl
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
gravenounUS /ɡreɪv/
death of a person
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
grownadjectiveUS /ɡroʊn/
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
grown-up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
guidancenounUS /ˈɡaɪdəns/
something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
happyadjectiveUS /ˈhæpi/
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
helplesslyadverbUS /ˈhelpləsli/
in a helpless manner
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
honorificnounUS /ˌɑːnərˈɪfɪk/
an expression of respect
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
impoverishedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈpɒv.ər.ɪʃt/
Reduced to poverty; having very little money or resources.
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
impulsiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
landnounUS /lænd/
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
largeradjectiveUS /ˈlɑːrdʒər/
large or big relative to something else
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
lateradverbUS /ˈleɪtər/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
lieverbUS /laɪ/
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
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 During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
meditationnounUS /ˌmedəˈteɪʃən/
continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
mission-school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
NirvananounUS /nɪrˈvɑːnə/
(Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/
many times at short intervals
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
petalsnounUS /ˈpetəlz/
plural of “petal” — part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
planverbUS /plæn/
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
plum-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
povertynounUS /ˈpɑːvərti/
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
prayernounUS /prer/
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
ranknounUS /ræŋk/
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
scatteredadjectiveUS /ˈskætərd/
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
shadowedadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊd/
filled with shade
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
shieldingnounUS /ˈʃiːldɪŋ/
the act of shielding from harm
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
spoiledadjectiveUS /spɔɪld/
having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
stroveverbUS /stroʊv/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
struggleverbUS /ˈstrʌɡəl/
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
takeverbUS /teɪk/
carry out
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
thoughtsnounUS /θɔːts/
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
toiledverbUS /tɔɪld/
past form of “toil” — work hard
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
touchedadjectiveUS /tʌtʃt/
having come into contact
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
turnedadjectiveUS /tɜːrnd/
moved around an axis or center
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
TwelvenounUS /twelv/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
unableadjectiveUS /əˈneɪbəl/
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading The mother, used to guidance and unable to think or plan for herself, turned helplessly to Yuki San.
unceasinglyadverb
with unflagging resolve
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading During the three years she had been gaining her education at the English mission-school, they had toiled unceasingly that she might have the best the country could afford, but now that she had returned after her long struggle with a strange language and a strange people, it was but fitting that she should take up her duties as the daughter of an impoverished family of high rank.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The father, grown old and feeble, gave up the battle for existence, and being a devout Buddhist, turned his thoughts upon Nirvana, which he strove diligently to enter by perpetual meditation and prayer.
windnounUS /waɪnd/
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
worriesnounUS /ˈwɜːriz/
plural of “worry” — something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading For though she was apparently only a larger edition of the spoiled, impulsive happy child of old, yet often her eyes were shadowed with the struggle of shielding her aging father and mother from the poverty that was coming closer day by day.
Yuki
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twelve times had the plum-tree scattered its petals to the wind, and Yuki San [Footnote: The honorific _Chan_, used only in childhood, is changed to _San_ in later years.] had passed from childhood into girlhood, and had already touched the border of that grave land of grown-up, where all the worries lie.
