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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
acquaintance
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From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
acuteness
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From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
all
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From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
ascertained
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From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
birth
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From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
boy
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From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
character
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From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
child's
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From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
circumstance
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From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
common
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From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
comprehension
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From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
converts
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From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
development
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From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
direction
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From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
disadvantages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
docility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
employers
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
English
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From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
Fairfield
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
familiar
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
further
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
genius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
give
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
indications
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
innocent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
keen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
kindness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
knowledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
Lenny
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
many
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
mechanical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
new
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From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
pattern-boy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
penetrating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
perceived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
proceeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
profit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
progress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
quality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
readiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
requirednounUS /required/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
respects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
Riccabocca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
satisfaction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
simplicity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
stimulants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
stuff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
texture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
thirst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
treated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
valued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
village
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.
workings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.