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AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
accordance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
affairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
astute
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From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
Baines
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From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
beating
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From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
BecauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
becomes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
benignant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
biography
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
BORROWS
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From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
bow
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From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
careful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
character
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
charm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
comes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
dance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
despot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
detail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
easy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
enemy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
Englanders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
fascinating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
fellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
finger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
formulated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
GRANDMOTHER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
greater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
happiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
hardness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
hardware
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
HEpronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
hidden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
indicative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
inevitably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
instances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
interesting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
lovable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scattergood loved to meddle.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
makes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
meddle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scattergood loved to meddle.
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
naivete
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
neglected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
neighbor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
neighbors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
New
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
often-repeated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
opposition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
outwitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
overlooked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
political
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
posture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
pudgy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
pull
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
purpose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
quietly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
readiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
repeatedly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
ruthless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
sagacitynounUS /səˈɡæs.ə.t̬i/
The quality of being sagacious; keen wisdom and sound judgment. (Sự minh triết, sự sáng suốt.)
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
Scattergood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
Scattergood's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
scenes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
schemes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
simply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
stick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
stories
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
strings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
study
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
tales
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
townsman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
trading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
tricky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
truthful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
view
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
well-authenticated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
well-known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because this is so it has overlooked or neglected many stories about the man much more indicative of character, and more fascinating of detail than those well-known and often-repeated tales of his sagacity in trading or his readiness in outwitting a political enemy.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
wont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is a certain charm in the naivete with which he was wont to stick his pudgy finger in the affairs of others with benignant purpose; and it is not easy to believe other tales of hardness, of ruthless beating down of opposition, when one repeatedly comes upon well-authenticated instances in which he has stood quietly hidden behind the scenes to pull the strings and to make his neighbors bow and dance and posture in accordance with some schemes which he has formulated for their greater happiness.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HE BORROWS A GRANDMOTHER The world has come to think of Scattergood Baines as an astute and perhaps tricky business man, or as the political despot of a state.
writing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To one who makes a careful study of Scattergood's life with a view to writing a truthful biography, he inevitably becomes more interesting and more lovable when seen simply as a neighbor, a fellow townsman of other New Englanders, and as a country hardware merchant.
