60
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
Arbuthnot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
assurancesnounUS /əˈʃʊrənsɪz/
plural of “assurance” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
battlementsnounUS /ˈbætəlmənts/
plural of “battlement” — a rampart built around the top of a castle with regular gaps for firing arrows or guns
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
bedsnounUS /bedz/
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
Briggs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
castlenounUS /ˈkæsəl/
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
clergymannounUS /ˈklɜːrdʒimən/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
desirenounUS /dɪˈzaɪər/
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
doctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
dreamedadjectiveUS /driːmd/
conceived of or imagined or hoped for
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
dungeonsnounUS /ˈdʌndʒənz/
plural of “dungeon” — the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
eightadjectiveUS /eɪt/
being one more than seven
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
exclusiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/
not divided or shared with others
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
floatedverbUS /ˈfloʊtəd/
past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
formalitynounUS /fɔːrˈmæləti/
a requirement of etiquette or custom
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
guineasnounUS /ˈɡɪniz/
plural of “guinea” — a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
halfadjectiveUS /hæf/
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
letternounUS /ˈletər/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
mediaevaladjective
relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
mereadjectiveUS /mɪr/
being nothing more than specified
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
mindsnounUS /maɪndz/
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
monthnounUS /mʌnθ/
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
ownernounUS /ˈoʊnər/
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
paidadjectiveUS /peɪd/
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
politeadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/
showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
referencesnounUS /ˈrefərənsɪz/
plural of “reference” — a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
regardedverbUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪd/
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
rentverbUS /rent/
let for money
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
respectabilitynounUS /riˌspektəˈbɪlɪti/
honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
servantsnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənts/
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
sitting-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
solicitornounUS /səˈlɪsətər/
a petitioner who solicits contributions or trade or votes
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
sumsnounUS /sʌmz/
plural of “sum” — a quantity of money
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
wagesnounUS /ˈweɪdʒəz/
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
weeknounUS /wiːk/
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading In their minds had floated sums like three guineas a week; or less, seeing that the place was small and old.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He was very polite in his letter, explaining that his desire for references was what was usual and should be regarded as a mere formality.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
WilkinsnounUS /ˈwɪlkɪnz/
United States civil rights leader (1901-1981)
From this reading Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins had not thought of references, and they had not dreamed a rent could be so high.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The rent was £60 for the month, the servants’ wages were extra, and he wanted references—he wanted assurances that the second half of his rent would be paid, the first half being paid in advance, and he wanted assurances of respectability from a solicitor, or a doctor, or a clergyman.
wroteverbUS /roʊt/
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading The owner of the mediaeval castle was an Englishman, a Mr. Briggs, who was in London at the moment and wrote that it had beds enough for eight people, exclusive of servants, three sitting-rooms, battlements, dungeons, and electric light.
