adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
builtadjectiveUS /bɪlt/
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
casenounUS /keɪs/
an occurrence of something
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
closelyadverbUS /ˈkloʊsli/
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
comprehensionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhenʃən/
an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/
a state at a particular time
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
considerationnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃən/
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
contingencynounUS /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/
a possible event or occurrence or result
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
Coombe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
documentsnounUS /ˈdɑːkjəmənts/
plural of “document” — writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
drewnounUS /druː/
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
DuchessnounUS /ˈdʌtʃəs/
the wife of a duke or a woman holding ducal title in her own right
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
dutiesnounUS /ˈduːtiz/
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
employer'snounUS /emˈplɔɪərz/
possessive form of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
envelopesnounUS /ˈenvəloʊps/
plural of “envelope” — a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
explainedverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnd/
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
extentnounUS /ɪkˈstent/
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
fiercelyadverbUS /ˈfɪrsli/
in a physically fierce manner
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
filesnounUS /faɪlz/
plural of “file” — a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
flamenounUS /fleɪm/
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
girlnounUS /ɡɜːrl/
a young female
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
gracenounUS /ɡreɪs/
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
happinessnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
includeverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːd/
have as a part, be made up out of
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
knewverbUS /nuː/
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
knowverbUS /noʊ/
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
leapnounUS /liːp/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
letternounUS /ˈletər/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/
the literary culture
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
LordnounUS /lɔːrd/
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
materialsnounUS /məˈtɪriəlz/
plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
necessitynounUS /nəˈsesəti/
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
occupyingverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “occupy” — keep busy with
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/
many times at short intervals
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
onesnounUS /wʌnz/
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
pathwaynounUS /ˈpæθweɪ/
a bundle of myelinated nerve fibers following a path through the brain
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
paymentnounUS /ˈpeɪmənt/
a sum of money paid or a claim discharged
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
recognizeverbUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/
accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
responsibilitiesnounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “responsibility” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
RobinnounUS /ˈrɑːbən/
small Old World songbird with a reddish breast
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
shelvesnounUS /ʃelvz/
Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
sinecurenoun
a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
sizesnounUS /ˈsaɪzəz/
plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
smoothingverbUS /ˈsmuːðɪŋ/
-ing form of “smooth” — make smooth or smoother, as if by rubbing
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
specialadjectiveUS /ˈspeʃəl/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
spiritualadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtʃuːəl/
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
substancenounUS /ˈsʌbstəns/
the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/
of considerable importance, size, or worth
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
subtleadjectiveUS /ˈsʌtəl/
difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
suggestionnounUS /səˈdʒestʃən/
an idea that is suggested
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
suspicionnounUS /səˈspɪʃən/
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
therebyadverbUS /ˈðerˈbaɪ/
by that means or because of that
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the serious little room the Duchess had given to her Robin built for herself a condition she called happiness.
truthnounUS /truːθ/
a fact that has been verified
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
unexpectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/
not expected or anticipated
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
upwardadjectiveUS /ˈʌpwərd/
directed up
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
usenounUS /juːs/
the act of using
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
varietiesnounUS /vərˈaɪətiz/
plural of “variety” — a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She drew the spiritual substance from which it was made from her pleasure in the books of reference closely fitted into their shelves, in the files for letters and more imposing documents, in the varieties of letter paper and envelopes of different sizes and materials which had been provided for her use in case of necessity.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The girl did not know the extent of her employer’s consideration for her, but she knew that she was kind with a special grace and comprehension.
worthnounUS /wɜːrθ/
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading A subtle truth she also did not recognize was that the remote flame of her own being was fiercely alert in its readiness to leap upward at any suspicion that her duties were not worth the payment made for them and that for any reason which might include Lord Coombe she was occupying a position which was a sinecure.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You may not use the more substantial ones often, but you must be prepared for any unexpected contingency,” the Duchess had explained, thereby smoothing her pathway by the suggestion of responsibilities.
