Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
accord
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
alder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
aspens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
Big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
Billy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
Blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
blues
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
bornnounUS /born/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
breeder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
brief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
cantle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
CANYON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
Cedar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
cloaks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
CORRAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
creek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
crossed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
decided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
digestion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
draperies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
easy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
explanations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
farther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
finenounUS /fine/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
follow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
golden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
granted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
hesitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
Hill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
hills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
imagination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
indigo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
lazy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
liver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
Louise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
nerves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
patches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
patterned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
perfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
pines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
purple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
quaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
reality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
ridden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
ride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
ruffed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
shadows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
simplify
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
slopes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
splotches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
swung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
thickets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His lady had not thought anything about it, but after a brief hesitation she decided that Blue should have his way; after all, it would simplify her explanations of the long ride if she came home by way of the canyon.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
trail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
trouble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
true
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
well-known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
WhereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She could say that she had ridden farther out into the hills than usual, which was true enough.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
working
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise did not own such a breeder of blues as a lazy liver, her nerves were in fine working order, and her digestion was perfect; and it is a well-known fact that a trouble must be born of reality rather than imagination, if it would ride far behind the cantle.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading THE CORRAL IN THE CANYON Where the creek trail crossed the Big Hill and then swung to the left that it might follow the easy slopes of Cedar Creek, Blue turned off to the right of his own accord, as if he took it for granted that his lady would return the way she had come.
yellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy Louise was late, and already the shadows lay like long draperies upon the hills she faced: long, purple cloaks ruffed with golden yellow and patterned with indigo patches, which were the pines, and splotches of dark green, which were the thickets of alder and quaking aspens.
