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The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories
The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories

Chapter XXXVIII

Cover illustration for The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories
Context Illustration Reading 1/57 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.
During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.
His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).
The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.
The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories

Chapter XXXVIII

Reading 1/57 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.
Line 2
During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.
Line 3
His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).
Line 4
The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.
Line 5
The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

Learner Dictionary

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

Afternoon noun US /ˈafternoon/

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

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.”

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading “The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.”

Different noun US /ˈdifferent/

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

From this reading “The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Everything pronoun US /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.”

Inquired noun US /ˈinquired/

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

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Merchant noun US /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).”

Reasons noun US /ˈreasons/

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

From this reading “The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.”

Returned noun US /ˈreturned/

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

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.”

All words in this reading · 101

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

able

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

Aksiutka

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

Akulina

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

also

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

anxiously

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

any

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

awaited

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

back

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

bring

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

children

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

concerned

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

day

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

father's

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

felt

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

frequently

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

happened

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

hardly

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

heart

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

heavy

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

holy-day

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

housework

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

impatience

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

inquirednounUS /ˈinquired/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

interested

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

kept

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

load

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

many

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

mare

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

mistress

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

most

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

noblewoman

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

only

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

perhaps

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

Pokrovski

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

Polikey

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

put

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

reasonsnounUS /ˈreasons/

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

regard

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

restrain

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

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

returnednounUS /ˈreturned/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

saying

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

scarcely

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

seen

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

sent

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The children also anxiously awaited their father’s appearance, and, though for different reasons, could hardly restrain their impatience.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

times

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

town

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

village

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

whereabouts

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

whole

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

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

wife

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

From this reading His poor wife felt a heavy load upon her heart, and was scarcely able to do her housework and put everything in order for the next day (which was to be a holy-day).

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The whole day passed without any one in the village of Pokrovski having seen anything of Polikey.

word

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

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading The noblewoman and Akulina were concerned only in regard to Polikey himself, while the children were interested most in what he would bring them from the town.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading During the afternoon his mistress inquired many times as to his whereabouts, and sent Aksiutka frequently to Akulina, who each time sent back word that Polikey had not yet returned, saying also that perhaps the merchant had kept him, or that something had happened to the mare.