AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
atmospherenounUS /ˈætməsfɪr/
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
beautifuladjectiveUS /ˈbjuːtəfəl/
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
bloodstainedadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdsteɪnd/
covered with blood
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
curiousadjectiveUS /ˈkjʊriəs/
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
cutverbUS /kʌt/
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
darkenedadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkənd/
(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
DawningnounUS /ˈdɔːnɪŋ/
the first light of day
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
deeplyadverbUS /ˈdiːpli/
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
detailnounUS /dɪˈteɪl/
an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
detectivesnounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
doingverbUS /ˈduːɪŋ/
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
effectnounUS /ɪˈfekt/
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
fantasticadjectiveUS /fænˈtæstɪk/
ludicrously odd
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
flankedverbUS /flæŋkt/
past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
floornounUS /flɔːr/
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
forgetverbUS /fərˈɡet/
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
girded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
innnounUS /ɪn/
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
inquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
InsideadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsaɪd/
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
jangledverbUS /ˈdʒæŋɡəld/
past form of “jangle” — make a sound typical of metallic objects
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
lawnnounUS /lɔːn/
a field of cultivated and mowed grass
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
LightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
nervesnounUS /nɜːrvz/
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
nightmarenounUS /ˈnaɪt.mɛr/
A terrifying or distressing dream.
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
old-worldadjective
characteristic of former times especially in Europe
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
quartersnounUS /ˈkwɔːrtərz/
housing available for people to live in
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
restfuladjectiveUS /ˈrestfəl/
affording physical or mental rest
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
RowsnounUS /roʊz/
plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
soothingadjectiveUS /ˈsuːðɪŋ/
affording physical relief
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
sprawlingnounUS /ˈsprɔːlɪŋ/
an ungainly posture with arms and legs spread about
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
strollnounUS /stroʊl/
a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading In that deeply peaceful atmosphere one could forget, or remember only as some fantastic nightmare, that darkened study with the sprawling, bloodstained figure on the floor.
sundialnounUS /ˈsʌndaɪl/
timepiece that indicates the daylight hours by the shadow that the gnomon casts on a calibrated dial
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
tookverbUS /tʊk/
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading But before doing so I took a stroll in the curious old-world garden which flanked the house.
treesnounUS /triːz/
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
villagenounUS /ˈvɪlədʒ/
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
welcomeverbUS /ˈwelkəm/
accept gladly
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A Dawning Light The three detectives had many matters of detail into which to inquire; so I returned alone to our modest quarters at the village inn.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
yewnounUS /juː/
wood of a yew; especially the durable fine-grained light brown or red wood of the English yew valued for cabinetwork and archery bows
From this reading Rows of very ancient yew trees cut into strange designs girded it round.
