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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 _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
according
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From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
admits
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From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
age
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From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
Agency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
amusement
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From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
ante-chamber
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From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
ascending
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From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
audience
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From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
Blindfold
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From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
Building
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
card
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
ceremonious
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From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
certain
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From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
Chief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
Chief's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
client
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From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
communicating
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From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
consulting
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From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
crisp
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From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
crush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
culprit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
Detective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
dimmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
dry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
entire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
erect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
figure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
finance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
finenounUS /fine/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
floor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
food
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
gaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
gold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
gray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
importance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
Incorporated
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From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
investigator
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
irritate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
Joseph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
Leicester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
lines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
McCormick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
mellowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
nearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
nineteenth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
offices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
P
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
pince-nez
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
potentate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
presided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
private
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
process
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
proclaims
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
progression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
protected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
rank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
resembled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
sanctum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
series
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
smaller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
smile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
snapping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
snow-white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
spite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
stranger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
subordinates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
supreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
temperament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
tended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading _Blindfold._ The offices of the Joseph P. McCormick Detective Agency, Incorporated, occupied the entire nineteenth floor of the Leicester Building and more nearly resembled those of a potentate of finance than a private investigator.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
tightened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
type
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
ushered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A dry smile tightened the fine lines about her lips as she was ushered into the last of these offices, which served as an ante-chamber to the supreme consulting room.
visitor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She was of the type which proclaims rather than admits age, but in spite of her snow-white hair, her tall figure was as erect as that of a girl and her snapping gray eyes behind the gold _pince-nez_ were neither dimmed nor mellowed by time.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
winter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lady who sent in her card to the Chief on a certain crisp morning in late winter, however, seemed to find food for amusement in the ceremonious progression.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Chief's sanctum was protected by a series of smaller communicating offices presided over by subordinates of ascending rank and importance, through whose hands the visitor, client or culprit, must pass before gaining audience with the great man himself; a process which tended either to crush or irritate the stranger, according to his temperament.
