adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
absorptionnounUS /əbˈzɔːrpʃən/
(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/
from appearances alone
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
booknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
breathnounUS /breθ/
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
burstverbUS /bɜːrst/
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
DavidnounUS /ˈdeɪvɪd/
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
drewnounUS /druː/
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
effortnounUS /ˈefərt/
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
ElizabethnounUS /ɪˈlɪzəbəθ/
daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
Ferguson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
foldingnounUS /ˈfoʊldɪŋ/
the process whereby a protein molecule assumes its intricate three-dimensional shape
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What is it?"
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading What is it?"
JustadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
kissedverbUS /kɪst/
past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
lampsnounUS /læmps/
plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
Materna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
newspapernounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpər/
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
nightnounUS /naɪt/
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
nightlyadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪtli/
happening every night
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
noticenounUS /ˈnoʊtəs/
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
promisedverbUS /ˈprɑːməst/
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
reliefnounUS /rɪˈliːf/
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
Richie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
saidadjectiveUS /sed/
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
searchingadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋ/
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
son'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
startingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtɪŋ/
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
takeverbUS /teɪk/
carry out
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
tasksnounUS /tæsks/
plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He gave her a keenly searching look; then drew a breath of relief, and kissed her.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
tidying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
unableadjectiveUS /əˈneɪbəl/
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
up-stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was not like David, but Mrs. Richie was too absorbed to notice her son's absorption.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What is it?"
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Mr. Ferguson said good night, David, apparently unable to find the book he had promised to take in to Elizabeth, made no effort to help his mother in her usual small nightly tasks of blowing out the lamps, tidying the table, folding up a newspaper or two.
YesnounUS /jes/
an affirmative
From this reading Just as she was starting up-stairs, he burst out: "Materna--" "Yes?
