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Philistia
Philistia

Chapter XXIII

Cover illustration for Philistia
Context Illustration Reading 1/51 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.
And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!
That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.
They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.
As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Philistia

Chapter XXIII

Reading 1/51 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.
Line 2
And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!
Line 3
That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.
Line 4
They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.
Line 5
As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

Learner Dictionary

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

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Plainly noun US /ˈplainly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Question noun US /ˈquestion/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.”

Rapidity noun US /rəˈpɪdəti/

great speed

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

Towards preposition US /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading “As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.”

Unless conjunction US /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading “They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.”

All words in this reading · 128

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 And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

abstract

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

acquaintances

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

all

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

allow

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

any

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

BEGIN

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

From this reading THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.

bread

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

BREAK

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

From this reading THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

cheap

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

CLOUDS

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

From this reading THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

daily

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

difficulty

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

domestic

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

earning

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

economy

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

Edie

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

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

elsewhere

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

enough

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

Ernest

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

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

extraordinary

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

face

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

give

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

go

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

Halliss's

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

happen

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

hunted

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

hypothetical

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

ideals

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

indeed

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

journeys

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

justice

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

lean

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

livelihood

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

living

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

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

lodgings

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

London

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

many

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

means

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

mere

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

most

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

Mrs

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

now

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

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

old

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

Oxford

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From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

Pilbury

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From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

plainlynounUS /ˈplainly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

political

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

possible

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

practical

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

pressing

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

purses

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

questionnounUS /ˈquestion/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

rapiditynounUS /rəˈpɪdəti/

great speed

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

Regis

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From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

reserve

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

rooms

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

search

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

see

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

series

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

settled

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

small

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

socialistic

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

some

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

soon

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

sort

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

stared

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

stern

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

stop

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

suggestions

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

Temple

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

there

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

tiny

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE CLOUDS BEGIN TO BREAK.

together

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

town

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

turn

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

uncompromising

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

unprecedented

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

up

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

very

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading That was the practical difficulty that stared them at last plainly in the face--no mere abstract question of right and justice, of socialistic ideals or of political economy, but the stern, uncompromising, pressing domestic question of daily bread.

weary

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

weeks

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And now, what were Ernest and Edie to do for a living!

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.

work

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

From this reading As soon as they were settled in at their tiny rooms, therefore, Ernest began a series of weary journeys into town, in search of work of some sort or another; and he hunted up all his old Oxford acquaintances in the Temple or elsewhere, to see if they could give him any suggestions towards a possible means of earning a livelihood.

wouldn't

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

From this reading They had come from Pilbury Regis with a very small reserve indeed in their poor lean little purses; and though Mrs. Halliss's lodgings might be cheap enough as London lodgings go, their means wouldn't allow them to stop there for many weeks together unless that hypothetical something of which they were in search should happen to turn up with most extraordinary and unprecedented rapidity.