AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
billsnounUS /bɪlz/
plural of “bill” — a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/
seemingly without interruption
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
CRISISnounUS /ˈkraɪsəs/
an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
devotedadjectiveUS /dɪˈvoʊtɪd/
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
disappearverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪr/
get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
disturbingadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/
causing distress or worry or anxiety
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
existedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪstəd/
past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
factnounUS /fækt/
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
fascinatedadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtəd/
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
fortunenounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃən/
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
gazenounUS /ɡeɪz/
a long fixed look
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
GERALD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
gettingnounUS /ˈɡetɪŋ/
the act of acquiring something
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
hotelnounUS /hoʊˈtel/
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/
ten 10s
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
impossibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːsəbəl/
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
infinitynounUS /ˌɪnˈfɪnɪti/
time without end
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
insensibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsensəbəl/
incapable of physical sensation
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
longeradverbUS /ˈlɔːŋɡər/
for more time
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
magicaladjectiveUS /ˈmædʒɪkəl/
possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
meantverbUS /ment/
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
mindsnounUS /maɪndz/
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
morbidlyadverbUS /ˈmɔːrbədli/
in a morbid manner or to a morbid degree
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
notionnounUS /ˈnoʊʃən/
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
paidadjectiveUS /peɪd/
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/
plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
possessedadjectiveUS /pəˈzest/
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
poundsnounUS /paʊndz/
plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
processverbUS /ˈprɑːses/
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
propertiesnounUS /ˈprɑːpərtiz/
plural of “property” — something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
remarkableadjectiveUS /rɪˈmɑːrkəbəl/
unusual or striking
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
renderedverbUS /ˈrendərd/
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
representedadjectiveUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪd/
represented accurately or precisely
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
sixnounUS /sɪks/
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
Sophia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
Sophia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
specialadjectiveUS /ˈspeʃəl/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
spendverbUS /spend/
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
subtractionnounUS /səbˈtrækʃən/
an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
sumnounUS /sʌm/
a quantity of money
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
travelverbUS /ˈtrævəl/
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
twelvenounUS /twelv/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
ultimatelyadverbUS /ˈʌltəmətli/
as the end result of a succession or process
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
wealthnounUS /welθ/
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/
in contrast with the fact that
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
yearnounUS /jɪr/
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
