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 Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
afforded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
AlthoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
attended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
attention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
bored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
church
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
comport
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
consisting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
constrained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
correspondence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
courtesy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
detached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
distaste
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
dully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
dwell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
ear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
eloquent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
experiences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
forget
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
frequently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
knees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
languished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
lapse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
lengthnounUS /leŋθ/
a period of time or extent
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
Margaret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
moods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
noble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
peace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
Penrod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
Penrod's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
persistent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
pew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
phrases
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
portion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
pressure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
relievednounUS /ˈrelieved/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
remain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
reminded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
schoolmates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
searching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
sentence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
sermon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
slumped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
Sunday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
throughoutprepositionUS /θruːˈaʊt/
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
torpor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
troubles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
unable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
view
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Penrod slumped far down in the pew with his knees against the back of that in front, and he also languished to one side, so that the people sitting behind were afforded a view of him consisting of a little hair and one bored ear.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His schoolmates frequently reminded him of such phrases in her letter as they seemed least able to forget, and for hours after each of these experiences he was unable to comport himself with human courtesy when constrained (as at dinner) to remain for any length of time in the same room with her.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading But by Sunday these moods had seemed to pass; he attended church in her close company, and had no thought of the troubles brought upon him by her correspondence with a person who throughout remained unknown to him.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Although the pressure had thus been relieved and Penrod found peace with himself, nevertheless there were times during the rest of that week when he felt a strong distaste for Margaret.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The sermon--a noble one, searching and eloquent--was but a persistent sound in that ear, though, now and then, Penrod's attention would be caught by some detached portion of a sentence, when his mind would dwell dully upon the phrases for a little while and lapse into a torpor.
