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The Imperialist
The Imperialist

Chapter II

Cover illustration for The Imperialist
Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.
This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.
But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.
They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.
The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Imperialist

Chapter II

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.
Line 2
This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.
Line 3
But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.
Line 4
They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.
Line 5
The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.”

Amount verb US /əˈmaʊnt/

to reach or total a particular quantity or value

From this reading “But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Beginning noun US /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading “They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Partly noun US /partly/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Philosophy noun US /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Plainly noun US /ˈplainly/

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

From this reading “But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.”

Reasons noun US /ˈreasons/

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

From this reading “But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.”

Unless conjunction US /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading “This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.”

All words in this reading · 115

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 This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

affair

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

afford

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

afforded

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

amountverbUS /əˈmaʊnt/

to reach or total a particular quantity or value

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

apt

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

assume

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

bane

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

bought

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

builder

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

built

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

character

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

circumstance

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

compassing

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

day

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

days

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

didn't

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

difficult

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

dignified

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

dramatic

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

Elgin

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

existence

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

far

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

forest

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

four

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

give

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

going

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

green

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

hand

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

house

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

knew

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

leads

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

like

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

looking

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

measured

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

more

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

mortgage

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

Mr

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

Mrs

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

Murchison

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

Murchison's

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

Murchisons

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

often

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

old

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

one's

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

only

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

other

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

painted

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

partly

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

philosophynounUS /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

Place

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

plainlynounUS /ˈplainly/

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

Plummer

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

possess

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

reasonsnounUS /ˈreasons/

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

require

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

sacrifice

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

sides

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

sold

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

stepped

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

temperament

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

there

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

things

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

traverse

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

tremendous

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

true

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

turn

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

verandahs

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

very

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

welded

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

white

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

wide

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

wood

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.