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 We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
afar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
American
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
apply
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From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
associate
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From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
attempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
bore
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From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
breeding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
butter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
cheese
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
clearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
comprehend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
conception
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
conditions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
confess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
converse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
cooked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
critic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
curious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
daughters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
England
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
experience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
explain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
fairly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
farmer's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
farmers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
fashions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
folks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
forty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
gracious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
growing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
hired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
homely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/
truthful and trustworthy
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
inability
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
judge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
key
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
labor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
literature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
luxurious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
meals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
meant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
menial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
modest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
New
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
notion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
numerous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
ornaments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
parts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
performed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
piquancy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
plainness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
pride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
Reams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
reluctant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
self-respecting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
situation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
society
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
soil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
solid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
spirit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
subjects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
subtleties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
sweet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
theology
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is nothing in his experience of "farmers' daughters" to give him the key to it.
thirty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
traditional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
trained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
understanding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
wasted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We might tell him that his notion of a farmer's daughters in England does not apply to New England.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
wives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
women
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
writing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reams of writing could not more clearly explain what is meant by "inability to understand" American conditions and to judge fairly the literature growing out of them; and reams of writing would be wasted in the attempt to make our curious critic comprehend the situation.
wrung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We might tell him of a sort of society of which he has no conception and can have none, of farmers' daughters and farmers' wives in New England--more numerous, let us confess, thirty or forty years ago than now--who lived in homely conditions, dressed with plainness, and followed the fashions afar off; did their own household work, even the menial parts of it; cooked the meals for the "men folks" and the "hired help," made the butter and cheese, and performed their half of the labor that wrung an honest but not luxurious living from the reluctant soil.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet those women--the sweet and gracious ornaments of a self-respecting society--were full of spirit, of modest pride in their position, were familiar with much good literature, could converse with piquancy and understanding on subjects of general interest, were trained in the subtleties of a solid theology, and bore themselves in any company with that traditional breeding which we associate with the name of lady.
