adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
abidingadjectiveUS /əˈbaɪdɪŋ/
lasting a long time
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
annihilatedadjectiveUS /əˈnaɪəleɪtɪd/
destroyed completely
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(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 Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
blueadjectiveUS /bluː/
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
broadadjectiveUS /brɔːd/
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
brokeadjectiveUS /broʊk/
lacking funds
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
canopynounUS /ˈkæn.ə.pi/
An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
cragsnounUS /kræɡz/
plural of “crag” — a steep rugged rock or cliff
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
durationnounUS /ˈdʊˈreɪʃən/
the period of time during which something continues
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
expansenounUS /ɪkˈspæns/
a wide scope
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
FATEnounUS /feɪt/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
fitfuladjectiveUS /ˈfɪtfəl/
occurring in spells and often abruptly
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
fledverbUS /fled/
inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
foamnounUS /foʊm/
a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
frownverbUS /fraʊn/
look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
gleamsnounUS /ɡliːmz/
plural of “gleam” — an appearance of reflected light
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
glistenedverbUS /ˈɡlɪsənd/
past form of “glisten” — be shiny, as if wet
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
heapedverbUS /hiːpt/
past form of “heap” — bestow in large quantities
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
heightsnounUS /haɪts/
a high place
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
homenounUS /hoʊm/
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
hopefuladjectiveUS /ˈhoʊpfəl/
having or manifesting hope
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
hungverbUS /hʌŋ/
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
IDEALadjectiveUS /aɪˈdiːl/
conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/
provided with artificial light
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
inland-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
intensitynounUS /ɪnˈtensəti/
the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation)
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
lightning-flare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
mereadjectiveUS /mɪr/
being nothing more than specified
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
milesnounUS /maɪlz/
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
Monica
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
mountainsnounUS /ˈmaʊntənz/
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
mutteringsnounUS /ˈmʌtərɪŋz/
plural of “muttering” — a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
nightnounUS /naɪt/
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
OnlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
OverprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
peltingnounUS /ˈpeltɪŋ/
anything happening rapidly or in quick successive
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
precipices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
promiseverbUS /ˈprɑːməs/
make a promise or commitment
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
rainnounUS /reɪn/
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
restverbUS /rest/
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
Rhoda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
Rhoda's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
Scawfell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
seanounUS /siː/
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
seashorenounUS /ˈsiːʃɔːr/
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
skynounUS /skaɪ/
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
spoiltadjective
having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
stepnounUS /step/
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
stormclouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
SundaynounUS /ˈsʌndeɪ/
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
sunshinenounUS /ˈsʌnʃaɪn/
the rays of the sun
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
tempestnounUS /ˈtempəst/
a violent commotion or disturbance
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
thunderverbUS /ˈθʌndər/
move fast, noisily, and heavily
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
tidenounUS /taɪd/
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading Sunday began with rain, but also with promise of better things; far over the sea was a broad expanse of blue, and before long the foam of the fallen tide glistened in strong, hopeful rays.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
Wakefuladjective
carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
Wastdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
Wastwater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
watchingnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ/
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
weathernounUS /ˈweðər/
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
weeknounUS /wiːk/
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE FATE OF THE IDEAL Rhoda’s week at the seashore was spoilt by uncertain weather.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Over Wastdale hung a black canopy; from Scawfell came mutterings of thunder; and on the last night of the week—when Monica fled from her home in pelting rain—tempest broke upon the mountains and the sea.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Wakeful until early morning, and at times watching the sky from her inland-looking window, Rhoda saw the rocky heights that frown upon Wastwater illuminated by lightning-flare of such intensity and duration that miles of distance were annihilated, and it seemed but a step to those stern crags and precipices.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Only two days of abiding sunshine; for the rest, mere fitful gleams across a sky heaped with stormclouds.
