adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
accentnounUS /əkˈsent/
distinctive manner of oral expression
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
afternoonsnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
plural of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
airnounUS /er/
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
bearingnounUS /ˈberɪŋ/
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
beautynounUS /ˈbjuːti/
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
bootsnounUS /buːts/
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
CalcuttanounUS /ˌkælˈkʌtə/
the largest city in India and one of the largest cities in the world; located in eastern India; suffers from poverty and overcrowding
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
characterizeverbUS /ˈkerəktəraɪz/
describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
charactersnounUS /ˈkærəktərz/
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
climatenounUS /ˈklaɪmət/
the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
companionnounUS /kəmˈpænjən/
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
datenounUS /deɪt/
the specified day of the month
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
demandnounUS /dɪˈmænd/
an urgent or peremptory request
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/
refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
environsnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənz/
the area in which something exists or lives
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
evidentlyadverbUS /ˈevədəntli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
featuresnounUS /ˈfiːtʃərz/
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
gallantadjectiveUS /ˈɡælənt/
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
gracefuladjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪsfəl/
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
IndianounUS /ˈɪndiə/
a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
ladynounUS /ˈleɪdi/
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
leaguenounUS /liːɡ/
an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
listeningnounUS /ˈlɪsənɪŋ/
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
NAVALadjectiveUS /ˈneɪvəl/
connected with or belonging to or used in a navy
From this reading THE NAVAL OFFICER.
observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/
a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
OFFICERnounUS /ˈɔːfəsər/
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading THE NAVAL OFFICER.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
opensnounUS /ˈoʊpənz/
plural of “open” — a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
partnounUS /pɑːrt/
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/
an amount of time
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
prerogativenounUS /prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/
a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
readverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
regardsnounUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdz/
plural of “regard” — (usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
reposeverbUS /riˈpoʊz/
put or confide something in a person or thing
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
respectnounUS /rɪˈspekt/
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
sevennounUS /ˈsevən/
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
sexnounUS /seks/
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading The air of the lady--for the couple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
specialadjectiveUS /ˈspeʃəl/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
speechnounUS /spiːtʃ/
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
storyteller's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
sultryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌltri/
sexually exciting or gratifying
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE NAVAL OFFICER.
thereaboutsadverbUS /ˌðerəˈbaʊts/
near that time or date
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
villanounUS /ˈvɪlə/
Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
voicenounUS /vɔɪs/
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, that two of our characters were seated together in a graceful and rather elegant villa in the environs of Calcutta.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/
the words that are spoken
From this reading She was evidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer might have read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, the bearing, the language of love.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller's prerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for once more we must return through a period of years to the date, or thereabouts, on which our story opens.
