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 Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
adopted
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
affection
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
all
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From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
also
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
Angel
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
bear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
bequests
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From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
came
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
carefully
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From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
charm
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
constantly
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
contents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
criednounUS /cried/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
daughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
de
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
delayed
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
difficulties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
Dinah
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
enough
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From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
events
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From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
existence
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From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
father-in-law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
fatherly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
favor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
frankness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
fully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
gave
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
grace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
Grollman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
half-brother
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
happiness
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
hurried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
idea
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
intelligence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
interfere
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
invalidate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
Joseph
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From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
justified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
lawsuit
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
leave
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From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
live
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
Madame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
made
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From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
marriage
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
Mirouet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
money
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
difficult to explain or understand
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
now
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From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
package
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
Portenduere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
post
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
promise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
prosperousadjectiveUS /ˈprɑspərəs/
successful and without serious problems
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
rascal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
recall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
resemblance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
result
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
scoundrelnounUS /ˈskaʊndrəl/
a dishonest or unscrupulous person
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
secure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
shrank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
testamentary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Your position as the daughter of a natural son of my father-in-law might invalidate all testamentary bequests made by me in your favor-- “The old rascal!” cried the post master.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
transmitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
Ursula
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
weighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While these events were taking place the post master had hurried home to open the mysterious package and know its contents.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
wishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having weighted these difficulties carefully, and wishing to leave you enough money to secure to you a prosperous existence-- “The scoundrel, he has thought of everything!”
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I adopted you the result might also have been a lawsuit, and I shrank from the idea of transmitting my fortune to you by marriage, for I might live years and thus interfere with your happiness, which is now delayed only by Madame de Portenduere.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading To my dear Ursula Mirouet, daughter of my natural half-brother, Joseph Mirouet, and Dinah Grollman:-- My dear Angel,--The fatherly affection I bear you--and which you have so fully justified--came not only from the promise I gave your father to take his place, but also from your resemblance to my wife, Ursula Mirouet, whose grace, intelligence, frankness, and charm you constantly recall to my mind.
