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 That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
affairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
all
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From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
always
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From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
arrive
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From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
Bibbs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
Bibbs's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
cheerful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/
two people or things considered together
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
departure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
depressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
despairing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
discussed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
dissolution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
explained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
extraordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
financial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
helplessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only vaporing, and they knew it.
library
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
Mary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
midnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
mystery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
notes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
phase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
pianos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
processes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
reached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
reference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
scribbled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For that was the point which this despairing couple had reached--they could do nothing except look on and talk about it.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
topic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
troubled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
up-stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Mary had gone up-stairs upon Bibbs's departure at ten o'clock, and Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees sat until after midnight in the library, talking.
vaporing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only vaporing, and they knew it.
Vertrees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were only vaporing, and they knew it.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That “mystery about pianos” which troubled Bibbs had been a mystery to Mr. Vertrees, and it was being explained to him at about the time Bibbs scribbled the reference to it in his notes.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading And in all that time they found not one cheerful topic, but became more depressed with everything and with every phase of everything that they discussed--no extraordinary state of affairs in a family which has always “held up its head,” only to arrive in the end at a point where all it can do is to look on helplessly at the processes of its own financial dissolution.
