adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
altogetheradverbUS /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
Alwyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
bearernounUS /ˈberər/
someone whose employment involves carrying something
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
brothersnounUS /ˈbrʌðərz/
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
compactnounUS /ˈkɑːmpækt/
a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
complexionnounUS /kəmˈplekʃən/
the coloring of a person's face
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
constantadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnstənt/
unvarying in nature
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
constitutionnounUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃən/
law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
diedverbUS /daɪd/
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
EarthnounUS /ɜːrθ/
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
eldernounUS /ˈeldər/
a person who is older than you are
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/
plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
Evelyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
existencenounUS /eɡˈzɪstəns/
the state or fact of existing
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
Fordham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
formnounUS /fɔːrm/
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
fourthnounUS /fɔːrθ/
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
heavennounUS /ˈhevən/
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
heldadjectiveUS /held/
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
hopenounUS /hoʊp/
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
IsaacnounUS /ˈaɪzək/
(Old Testament) the second patriarch; son of Abraham and Sarah who was offered by Abraham as a sacrifice to God; father of Jacob and Esau
From this reading Isaac Williams.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
Marmaduke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
otherwiseadverbUS /ˈʌðərwaɪz/
in other respects or ways
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
precariousadjectiveUS /priˈkeriəs/
affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
servantnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənt/
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
shorteradjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrtər/
comparative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
SoldiernounUS /ˈsoʊldʒər/
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
sturdieradjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrdiər/
comparative of “sturdy” — having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
tennounUS /ten/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
tenurenounUS /ˈtenjər/
the term during which some position is held
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
titlenounUS /ˈtaɪtəl/
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
transparentadjectiveUS /trænˈsperənt/
transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
trueadjectiveUS /truː/
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
venturedverbUS /ˈventʃərd/
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
viewnounUS /vjuː/
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Soldier now and servant true; Earth behind and heaven in view.
ViscountnounUS /ˈvɪskaʊnt/
(in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
wearverbUS /wer/
be dressed in
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
WilliamsnounUS /ˈwɪljəmz/
United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)
From this reading Isaac Williams.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that title within ten years.
youngestadjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡəst/
superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading His precarious existence seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and altogether seemed of a different constitution.
youthnounUS /juːθ/
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading His father had not lived to wear it, and his two elder brothers had both died in early youth.
