adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
actionnounUS /ˈækʃən/
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
beamsnounUS /biːmz/
plural of “beam” — a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
bednounUS /bed/
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
belongverbUS /bɪˈlɔːŋ/
be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
chambernounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbər/
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
closedadjectiveUS /kloʊzd/
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
consciencenounUS /ˈkɑːnʃəns/
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
delicacynounUS /ˈdeləkəsi/
the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
Effie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
EvenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
fellverbUS /fel/
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
gentlenessnounUS /ˈdʒentəlnəs/
the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
hardheartedadjective
lacking in feeling or pity or warmth
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
illadjectiveUS /ɪl/
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
Jeanie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
miserableadjectiveUS /ˈmɪzərəbəl/
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
partlyadverbUS /ˈpɑːrtli/
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
Ratcliffe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
Ratcliffeís
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
reverenceverbUS /ˈrevərəns/
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
scenenounUS /siːn/
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
scenesnounUS /siːnz/
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
shutternounUS /ˈʃʌtər/
a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
sorrowfuladjectiveUS /ˈsɑːroʊfəl/
experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
spentadjectiveUS /spent/
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
stationnounUS /ˈsteɪʃən/
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
stifleverbUS /ˈstaɪfəl/
suppress in order to conceal or hide
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
sufferersnounUS /ˈsʌfərərz/
plural of “sufferer” — a person suffering from an illness
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
sunnounUS /sʌn/
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
sympathynounUS /ˈsɪmpəθi/
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
throwverbUS /θroʊ/
propel through the air
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
thusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
touchverbUS /tʌtʃ/
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
triflingnounUS /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/
the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
turnkeynounUS /ˈtɜːrnkiː/
someone who guards prisoners
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
unglazedadjective
not furnished with glass
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
utterverbUS /ˈʌtər/
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
veilnounUS /veɪl/
a garment that covers the head and face
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was shown in a trifling action, but which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffeís character and station.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the sufferers were seated.
WithprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading With a gentleness that had something of reverence in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a veil over a scene so sorrowful.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
witnessnounUS /ˈwɪtnəs/
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene without a touch of human sympathy.
wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/
the words that are spoken
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
YepronounUS /jiː/
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very ill.”
