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 But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
accidentally
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From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
accosted
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From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
actually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
animated
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From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
back
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From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
background
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From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
belle
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From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
bowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
callow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
certain
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From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
coincidence
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From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
compared
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From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
conventional
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From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
conversation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
conversational
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
cordiality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
custom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
cut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
deceitful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
detected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
display
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
encounter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
enthusiastically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
fairnounUS /fair/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
fashionable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
feeble-minded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
figure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
flagged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
forced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
friend's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
graces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
habit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
harmless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
indulge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
invariably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
keeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
movements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
occurred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
paces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
passing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
possibly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
powersnounUS /powers/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
practice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
recognize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
regular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
reprehensible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
saluted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
simulated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
stoppednounUS /stopped/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
strange
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
strategic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
sundry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
trick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
wish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading When I detected the trick, of course I made a point of keeping my friend, by strategic movements, with his back toward the young lady, while I bowed to her myself.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I have been stopped in the street and enthusiastically accosted by some fashionable young man, who has engaged me in animated conversation, until (quite accidentally) a certain young belle would pass, whom my friend, of course, saluted.
wretch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As, by a strange coincidence, this occurred several times in the course of the week, and as my young friend's conversational powers invariably flagged after the lady had passed, I am forced to believe that the deceitful young wretch actually used me as a conventional background to display the graces of his figure to the passing fair.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this is a harmless habit compared to a certain reprehensible practice in which sundry feeble-minded young men indulge.
youths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then, I understand that it is a regular custom of these callow youths to encounter each other, with simulated cordiality, some paces in front of the young lady they wish to recognize, so that she cannot possibly cut them.
