used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
bendverbUS /bend/
form a curve
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
billowingadjectiveUS /ˈbɪloʊɪŋ/
characterized by great swelling waves or surges
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
a woman who has recently been married
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
cadnounUS /kæd/
someone who is morally reprehensible
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
commercenounUS /ˈkɑːmərs/
transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
CONFESSIONnounUS /kənˈfeʃən/
an admission of misdeeds or faults
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
connectionsnounUS /kəˈnekʃənz/
plural of “connection” — a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
move gently or carefully
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
one or the other of two
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
entitledadjectiveUS /enˈtaɪtəld/
qualified for by right according to law
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
FRALE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
HoylenounUS /hɔɪl/
an English astrophysicist and advocate of the steady state theory of cosmology; described processes of nucleosynthesis inside stars (1915-2001)
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
take in marriage
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
not any; not one
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
and nothing more
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
pinnacles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
ponderingadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːndərɪŋ/
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
snobnounUS /snɑːb/
a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
spacesnounUS /ˈspeɪsəz/
plural of “space” — the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
SPENDSverbUS /spendz/
third-person singular of “spend” — use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
splint-bottomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
topsadjectiveUS /tɑːps/
of the highest quality
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading No, his heart did not lean toward her; it was better that he should bend to his profession in a strange land.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not that the money had been made in commerce; he was neither a snob nor a cad.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Although his own connections entitled him to honor, what more could he expect than to marry wealth and be happy, if--if happiness could come to either of them in that way.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
wife'snounUS /waɪfs/
possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading DAVID SPENDS HIS FIRST DAY AT HIS CABIN, AND FRALE MAKES HIS CONFESSION Doctor Hoyle had built his cabin on one of the pinnacles of the earth, and David, looking down on blue billowing mountain tops with only the spaces of the air between him and heaven--between him and the ocean--between him and his fair English home--felt that he knew why the old doctor had chosen it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Seated on a splint-bottomed chair in the doorway, pondering, he thought first of his mother, with a little secret sorrow that he could not have taken to his heart the bride she had selected for him, and settled in his own home to the comfortable ease the wife's wealth would have secured for him.
