AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
blewverbUS /bluː/
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
breathnounUS /breθ/
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
breezenounUS /briːz/
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
button-hole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
chancenounUS /tʃæns/
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
finishedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪnɪʃt/
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
flannelsnounUS /ˈflænəlz/
plural of “flannel” — a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
foldedverbUS /ˈfoʊldəd/
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
fragrantadjectiveUS /ˈfreɪɡrənt/
pleasant-smelling
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
Garth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
Gleneesh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
greennounUS /ɡriːn/
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
HARDadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
keepverbUS /kiːp/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
layverbUS /leɪ/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
letternounUS /ˈletər/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/
the literary culture
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
librarynounUS /ˈlaɪbreriː/
a room where books are kept
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
luxuriouslyadverb
in an indulgently luxurious manner
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
NurseverbUS /nɜːrs/
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
openingnounUS /ˈoʊpənɪŋ/
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
passverbUS /pæs/
go across or through
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
patientnounUS /ˈpeɪʃənt/
a person who requires medical care
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
pilenounUS /paɪl/
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
pocketnounUS /ˈpɑːkət/
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
primrosesnounUS /ˈprɪmroʊzəz/
plural of “primrose” — any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus Primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
putverbUS /pʊt/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
quickeningnounUS /ˈkwɪkənɪŋ/
the process of showing signs of life
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
rapidlyadverbUS /ˈræpədli/
with speed
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
readverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
readingnounUS /ˈriːdɪŋ/
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
reliefnounUS /rɪˈliːf/
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
RosemarynounUS /ˈroʊzmeri/
widely cultivated for its fragrant grey-green leaves used in cooking and in perfumery
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
satnounUS /sæt/
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
scentnounUS /sɛnt/
A distinctive smell or aroma.
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
SECRETARYnounUS /ˈsekrəteri/
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
sensesnounUS /ˈsensɪz/
plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
springnounUS /sprɪŋ/
the season of growth
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
streamedverbUS /striːmd/
past form of “stream” — to extend, wave or float outward, as if in the wind
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
sunnounUS /sʌn/
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
sun-beams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
sunnyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌni/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
thankfuladjectiveUS /ˈθæŋkfəl/
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading Nurse Rosemary finished reading a letter of her own, folded it, and put it in her pocket with a feeling of thankful relief.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
tienounUS /taɪ/
neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
touchverbUS /tʌtʃ/
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
wearingnounUS /ˈwerɪŋ/
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading Garth, in white flannels, wearing a green tie and a button-hole of primroses, lay back luxuriously, enjoying, with his rapidly quickening senses, the scent of the flowers and the touch of the sun-beams.
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 They were seated close to the French window opening on to the terrace; the breeze, fragrant with the breath of spring flowers, blew about them, and the morning sun streamed in.
wishedverbUS /wɪʃt/
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading A small table was between them, upon which lay a pile of letters--his morning mail--ready for her to open, read to him, and pass across, should there chance to be one among them he wished to touch or to keep in his pocket.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading HARD ON THE SECRETARY Nurse Rosemary sat with her patient in the sunny library at Gleneesh.
