adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
attainverbUS /əˈteɪn/
to gain with effort
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
AxenounUS /æks/
an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
blessingsnounUS /ˈblesɪŋz/
plural of “blessing” — the formal act of approving
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
boxnounUS /bɑːks/
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
cursesnounUS /ˈkɜːrsɪz/
plural of “curse” — profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
dealernounUS /ˈdiːlər/
someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
despairnounUS /dɪˈsper/
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
Djinnnoun
(Islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the Koran and believed by Muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
drawverbUS /drɔː/
cause to move by pulling
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
earnounUS /iːr/
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
ever-filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
foenounUS /foʊ/
an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
freeverbUS /friː/
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
glanceverbUS /ɡlæns/
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
guidenounUS /ɡaɪd/
someone employed to conduct others
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
impudentadjective
marked by casual disrespect
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
JacknounUS /dʒæk/
a small worthless amount
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
Jill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
JOHNnounUS /dʒɑːn/
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
knacknounUS /næk/
a special way of doing something
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
knells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
magicnounUS /ˈmædʒɪk/
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
maidnounUS /meɪd/
a female domestic
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
matternounUS /ˈmætər/
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
meltverbUS /melt/
reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
mightyadjectiveUS /ˈmaɪti/
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
NumbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
OHnounUS /oʊ/
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
pitynounUS /ˈpɪti/
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
propheciesnounUS /ˈprɑːfəsiz/
plural of “prophecy” — knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
proudadjectiveUS /praʊd/
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/
restricted to something
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
pursesnounUS /ˈpɜːrsɪz/
plural of “purse” — a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
residentadjectiveUS /ˈrezɪdənt/
living in a particular place
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
richadjectiveUS /rɪtʃ/
possessing material wealth
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
ridiculousadjectiveUS /rɪˈdɪkjələs/
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
seventyadjectiveUS /ˈsevənti/
being ten more than sixty
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
sidenounUS /saɪd/
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
Simmery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
skillnounUS /skɪl/
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
SONGnounUS /sɔːŋ/
a short musical composition with words
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
SORCERER'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
spellsnounUS /spelz/
plural of “spell” — a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
stareverbUS /ster/
look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
tearverbUS /ter/
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
ThenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
timidadjectiveUS /ˈtɪmɪd/
showing fear and lack of confidence
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
tracksnounUS /træks/
plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
triedadjectiveUS /traɪd/
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
unclenounUS /ˈʌŋkəl/
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
varyverbUS /ˈveri/
become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
wantverbUS /wɑːnt/
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
wantsnounUS /wɑːnts/
plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
waxverbUS /wæks/
cover with wax
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
WELLINGTONnounUS /ˈwelɪŋtən/
British general and statesman; he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; subsequently served as Prime Minister (1769-1852)
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
WELLSnounUS /welz/
prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
WhichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It is purely a matter of skill, Which all may attain if they will: But every Jack He must study the knack If he wants to make sure of his Jill!
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
witchesnounUS /ˈwɪtʃəz/
plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading THE SORCERER’S SONG OH! my name is JOHN WELLINGTON WELLS— I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells!
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Then a glance may be timid or free; It will vary in mighty degree, From an impudent stare To a look of despair That no maid without pity can see.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
you'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe.
you've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And a glance of despair is no guide— It may have its ridiculous side; It may draw you a tear Or a box on the ear; You can never be sure till you’ve tried.
