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The Forsyte Saga, Volume 2
The Forsyte Saga, Volume 2

Chapter XIX · Jolly Sits in Judgment

Cover illustration for The Forsyte Saga, Volume 2
Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.
Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.
_He_ would send out Wolseley!
Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”
This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Forsyte Saga, Volume 2

Chapter XIX · Jolly Sits in Judgment

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.
Line 2
Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.
Line 3
_He_ would send out Wolseley!
Line 4
Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”
Line 5
This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.”

Body noun US /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.”

Everybody pronoun US /ˈevribɑːdi/

every person

From this reading “This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.””

Fortune noun US /ˈfortune/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.”

Seeing noun US /seeing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.””

Towards preposition US /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading “The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

Whence adverb US /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading “Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.””

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “_He_ would send out Wolseley!”

All words in this reading · 101

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

affect

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

always

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

animating

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

balked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

better

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

Black

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

bodynounUS /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

Boers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

British

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

bull

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

Buller

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

butting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

causing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

chap

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

concerning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

considerable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

daily

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

December

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

determinedly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

didn't

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

doubtful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

early

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

enabled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

everybodypronounUS /ˈevribɑːdi/

every person

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

expense

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

fall

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

family

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

Forsyte

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

Forsytes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

further

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

hardening

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading _He_ would send out Wolseley!

heard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

instinct

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

just

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

Ladysmith

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

lesson

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

longer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

lot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

members

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

Nicholas

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

originally

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _He_ would send out Wolseley!

people

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

perceived

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

pig-headed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

politic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

possess

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

possessive

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

property

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

riddance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

say

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

Seeing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

send

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _He_ would send out Wolseley!

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

sooner

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

two

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

war

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

Week

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Nicholas, originally so doubtful concerning a war which must affect property, had been heard to say that these Boers were a pig-headed lot; they were causing a lot of expense, and the sooner they had their lesson the better.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”

whenceadverbUS /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Seeing always a little further than other people—whence the most considerable fortune of all the Forsytes—he had perceived already that Buller was not the man—“a bull of a chap, who just went butting, and if they didn’t look out Ladysmith would fall.”

Wolseley

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _He_ would send out Wolseley!

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading _He_ would send out Wolseley!

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading This was early in December, so that when Black Week came, he was enabled to say to everybody: “I told you so.”