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Lucretia — Complete
Lucretia — Complete

Chapter II · Lucretia

Cover illustration for Lucretia — Complete
Context Illustration Reading 1/80 · 5 lines
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When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.
He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Lucretia — Complete

Chapter II · Lucretia

Reading 1/80 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
Line 2
The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.
Line 3
He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
Line 4
When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
Line 5
The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.”

Imperious adj US /ɪmˈpɪr.i.əs/

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. (Hách dịch, độc đoán, kiêu kỳ.)

From this reading “When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.”

John noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.”

All words in this reading · 109

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 The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

age

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

airy

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

any

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

approaching

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

attaining

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

attention

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

baronet

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

bent

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

came

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

child

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

From this reading The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.

coaxing

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

commodious

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

consider

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

contemptuous

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

Continent

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

decided

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

definite

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

despair

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

family

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

formed

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

four

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

governess

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

heiress

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

hitherto

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

honestly

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

house

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

imperiousadjUS /ɪmˈpɪr.i.əs/

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. (Hách dịch, độc đoán, kiêu kỳ.)

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

indifferently

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

infant

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

interest

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

interested

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

From this reading The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

John

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

lived

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

London

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

Lucretia

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

management

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

From this reading The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.

mansion

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

matter

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

Miles

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

minute

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

notions

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

nurse

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

nursery

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

object

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

obstinately

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

occasional

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

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

old

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

own

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From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

pay

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From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

principally

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From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

punishment

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

rather

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From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

reproof

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

satisfied

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From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

sedulous

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From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

select

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

self-willed

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

seriously

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

seven

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

Sir

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From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

St

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From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

startled

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

sternly

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

temper

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

then

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From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

unmanageable

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From this reading The management of this unmanageable child interested Sir Miles.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

vehement

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From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

visits

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From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

ward

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

From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.

warning

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

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

watering-place

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From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering-place than to his own family mansion.

years

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From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.