adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
AlineverbUS /əˈlaɪn/
place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
AlongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
AshenounUS /æʃ/
United States tennis player who was the first Black to win United States and English singles championships (1943-1993)
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
begunverbUS /bɪˈɡʌn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
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 Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
compartmentnounUS /kəmˈpɑːrtmənt/
a space into which an area is subdivided
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
expressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/
give expression to
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
fartheradjectiveUS /ˈfɑːrðər/
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
first-classadjectiveUS /ˌfɜːrstˈklæs/
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
footmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
four-fifteen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
groomsnounUS /ɡruːmz/
plural of “groom” — a man participant in his own marriage ceremony
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
headnounUS /hed/
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
housemaids
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/
of or characteristic of low rank or importance
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
Joan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
lightingnounUS /ˈlaɪtɪŋ/
having abundant light or illumination
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
magazinenounUS /ˈmæɡəziːn/
a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
Marson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
non-smoking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
nursesnounUS /ˈnɜːrsəz/
plural of “nurse” — one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
OppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
Paddington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
PetersnounUS /ˈpiːtərz/
plural of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
readverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
seatnounUS /siːt/
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
second-classadjective
of inferior status or quality
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
settledadjectiveUS /ˈsetəld/
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
slidverbUS /slɪd/
inflected form of “slide” — move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
smokingnounUS /ˈsmoʊkɪŋ/
the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
softlyadverbUS /ˈsɔːftli/
with low volume
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
StationnounUS /ˈsteɪʃən/
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
StilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
stillroomnoun
a pantry or storeroom connected with the kitchen (especially in a large house) for preparing tea and beverages and for storing liquors and preserves and tea etc
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The four-fifteen express slid softly out of Paddington Station and Ashe Marson settled himself in the corner seat of his second-class compartment.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
tippingverbUS /ˈtɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “tip” — cause to tilt
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
trainsnounUS /treɪnz/
plural of “train” — public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
travelverbUS /ˈtrævəl/
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
ValentinenounUS /ˈvæləntaɪn/
a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day
From this reading Opposite him Joan Valentine had begun to read a magazine.
valets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In English trains the tipping classes travel first; valets, lady's maids, footmen, nurses, and head stillroom maids, second; and housemaids, grooms, and minor and inferior stillroom maids, third.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Along the corridor, in a first-class smoking compartment, Mr. Peters was lighting a big black cigar.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Still farther along the corridor, in a first-class non-smoking compartment, Aline Peters looked through the window and thought of many things.
