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 IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
abruptly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
afternoons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
afterwards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
All
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
answerednounUS /ˈanswered/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
autumn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
bear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
becoming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
child
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
children
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
custom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
enduring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
faintly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
frame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
framed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
fugitive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
goes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
gravely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
habitual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
haunted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
homeward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
lives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
minds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
missed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
neighbours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
noisy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
noticed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
pale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
passer-by
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
passers-by
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
pathetic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
plate-glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
portrait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
repeatedly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
Savage's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
seasons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
seldom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
shortest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
significance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
sit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
slight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
Then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
thoroughfares
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
troubled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
vacancy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mrs. Savage’s window had been a portrait so long that even the school children who went homeward that way in the autumn afternoons noticed a vacancy behind the glass and missed her from the frame; but new seasons came and passed, and no wreath appeared upon her door.
wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/
at any time that; every time that
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE minds of Mrs. Savage’s neighbours across the street and of the habitual passers-by, that broad plate-glass window where it was her custom to sit for the last hour of every afternoon had come to bear the significance of a glass over a portrait.
windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All long thoroughfares and many of even the shortest have such windows; and the people who repeatedly pass that way will often find the portrait window becoming a part, however slight, of their own lives; but it will seldom be an enduring part, except as a fugitive, pathetic memory.
wistful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
wonder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the silent old face is seen framed there every day, or it may be a pale and wistful child looking out gravely upon the noisy world.
wreath
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then abruptly one day the window is only a window and no more a portrait; the passer-by has a moment of wonder whenever he goes by, but presently may have his faintly troubled question answered by a wreath on the door; and afterwards the window that was once a portrait will seem to him a little haunted.
