adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
bottomnounUS /ˈbɑːtəm/
the lower side of anything
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
climbedverbUS /klaɪmd/
past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
comeverbUS /kʌm/
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
commentarynounUS /ˈkɑːmənteri/
a written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
concernnounUS /kənˈsɜːrn/
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
curiositynounUS /ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
cursenounUS /kɜːrs/
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
directingadjectiveUS /dərˈektɪŋ/
showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
DonanounUS /ˈdoʊnə/
a Spanish courtesy title or form of address for a woman
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
drippingnounUS /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/
a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
edgenounUS /edʒ/
the boundary of a surface
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
Esteban
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
exhaustedadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɔːstɪd/
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
exhibitedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbətəd/
past form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
faintingverbUS /ˈfeɪntɪŋ/
-ing form of “faint” — pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
fatenounUS /feɪt/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
fellverbUS /fel/
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
giggledverbUS /ˈɡɪɡəld/
past form of “giggle” — laugh nervously
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
gruesomeadjectiveUS /ˈɡruːsəm/
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
half-pleased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
hoistverbUS /hɔɪst/
raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
hungverbUS /hʌŋ/
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
inertadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnɜːrt/
unable to move or resist motion
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
Isabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
Isabel's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
layverbUS /leɪ/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
leavingnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
loweredadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərd/
below the surround or below the normal position
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
manipulateverbUS /məˈnɪpjəleɪt/
influence or control shrewdly or deviously
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
metverbUS /met/
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
momentsnounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
mutteredverbUS /ˈmʌtərd/
past form of “mutter” — talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
negroesnounUS /ˈniːɡroʊz/
plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
OldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
oozingnounUS /ˈuːzɪŋ/
the process of seeping
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
orificenounUS /ˈɔːrəfəs/
an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
Pancho
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
proneadjectiveUS /proʊn/
having a tendency (to); often used in combination
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
ropenounUS /roʊp/
a strong line
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
Sebastian's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
sidesnounUS /saɪdz/
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
slimeverbUS /slaɪm/
cover or stain with slime
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
slowadjectiveUS /sloʊ/
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
staleadjectiveUS /steɪl/
lacking freshness, palatability, or showing deterioration from age
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
tasknounUS /tæsk/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
tormentedadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrmentɪd/
experiencing intense pain especially mental pain
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
trueadjectiveUS /truː/
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Old Sebastian's curse had come true; Dona Isabel had met the fate he had called down upon her that day when he hung exhausted in his chains and when the flies tormented him.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
unusedadjectiveUS /əˈnjuːzd/
not yet used or soiled
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
watersnounUS /ˈwɔːtərz/
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
weightnounUS /weɪt/
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading He was on the point of fainting when he finally climbed out, leaving the negroes to hoist the dripping, inert weight which he had found at the bottom.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That was a gruesome task which fell to Esteban, for the well had been long unused, its sides were oozing slime, its waters were stale and black.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was a commentary upon Dona Isabel's character that during the long, slow moments of uncertainty while Esteban was being lowered the negroes exhibited more curiosity than concern over her fate.
whisperedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪspərd/
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading In half-pleased excitement they whispered and giggled and muttered together, while Pancho lay prone at the edge of the orifice, directing them how to manipulate the rope.
