adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
apartmentnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənt/
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
aquariumnounUS /əˈkweriəm/
a tank or pool or bowl filled with water for keeping live fish and underwater animals
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
buckeyesnounUS /ˈbʌkaɪz/
plural of “buckeye” — the inedible nutlike seed of the horse chestnut
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
CalifornianounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/
a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
centre-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
columnsnounUS /ˈkɑːləmz/
plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
completedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtəd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
cottagenounUS /ˈkɑːtədʒ/
a small house with a single story
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
cultivationnounUS /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/
socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
curlingnounUS /ˈkɜːrlɪŋ/
a game played on ice in which heavy stones with handles are slid toward a target
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
embowered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
enchantingadjectiveUS /enˈtʃæntɪŋ/
capturing interest as if by a spell
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
endnounUS /end/
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
evidencenounUS /ˈevədəns/
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
goldfishes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
grandadjectiveUS /ɡrænd/
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
humbleadjectiveUS /ˈhʌmbəl/
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
IndianadjectiveUS /ˈɪndiən/
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
inmatesnounUS /ˈɪnmeɪts/
plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
JudgeverbUS /dʒʌdʒ/
determine the result of (a competition)
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
keepingnounUS /ˈkiːpɪŋ/
conformity or harmony
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
lakesnounUS /leɪks/
plural of “lake” — a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
landscapenounUS /ˈlændskeɪp/
an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
magnificentadjectiveUS /mæɡˈnɪfəsənt/
characterized by grandeur
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
marblenounUS /ˈmɑːrbəl/
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
held or filled or in use
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
peculiaradjectiveUS /pəˈkjuːljər/
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
picturenounUS /ˈpɪktʃər/
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
pinesnounUS /paɪnz/
plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
refinementnounUS /rəˈfaɪnmənt/
a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
reflectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈflektɪd/
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
rosenounUS /roʊz/
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
settingnounUS /ˈsetɪŋ/
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
SierrasnounUS /siˈerəz/
plural of “sierra” — a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
smokenounUS /smoʊk/
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading An aquarium, containing goldfishes, stood on a marble centre-table at one end of the apartment, while a magnificent grand piano occupied the other.
sunnounUS /sʌn/
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
sylvannounUS /ˈsɪlvən/
a spirit that lives in or frequents the woods
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
Tompkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
unpretentiousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnpriˈtenʃəs/
lacking pretension or affectation
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
villagenounUS /ˈvɪlədʒ/
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was toward the close of a bright October day.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The last rays of the setting sun were reflected from one of those sylvan lakes peculiar to the Sierras of California.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading On the right the curling smoke of an Indian village rose between the columns of the lofty pines, while to the left the log cottage of Judge Tompkins, embowered in buckeyes, completed the enchanting picture.
wildnessnounUS /ˈwaɪldnəs/
a feeling of extreme emotional intensity
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Although the exterior of the cottage was humble and unpretentious, and in keeping with the wildness of the landscape, its interior gave evidence of the cultivation and refinement of its inmates.
