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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
Albinia
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From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
allies
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From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
any
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From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
better
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From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
bidding
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From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
called
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From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
challenge
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From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
command
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From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
delighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
disappointing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
EvennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
force
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
foster
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From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
freeadjectiveUS /friː/
acting without enough restraint or discipline
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
gay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
Gilbert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
gloried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
grandmamma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
Greek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
grievedverbUS /ɡriːvd/
felt extremely sad, especially because of a loss
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
hated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
inexpedient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
Kendal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
lift
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
limbs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
Lucy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
maids
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
majority
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
Maurice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
mistress's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
moral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
much-tormented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
obey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
obstinacy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
outrecuidance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
physical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
punished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
punishment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
resistance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
sole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
Sophy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
stirred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
supporter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
supremacy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
Susan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
tenderness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
thwartnounUS /θwɔːrt/
a seat across a small boat for a rower
From this reading As to allies, Maurice had by far the majority of the household; the much-tormented Susan was her mistress’s sole supporter; Mr. Kendal and Sophy might own it inexpedient to foster his outrecuidance, but they so loved to do his bidding, so hated to thwart him, and so grieved at his being punished, that they were little better than Gilbert, Lucy, grandmamma, or any of the maids or men.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
trying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
undergo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
war
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a war of supremacy in the Kendal household.
weight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Albinia and her son were Greek to Greek, and if physical force were on her side, her own tenderness was against her.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Even as he delighted to lift a weight the moment he saw that it was heavy, so a command was to him a challenge to see how much he would undergo rather than obey, but his resistance was so open, gay, and free, that it could hardly be called obstinacy, and he gloried in disappointing punishment.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading The moral sense was not yet stirred, and the boy seemed to be trying the force of his will like the strength of his limbs.
