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Winding Paths
Winding Paths

Chapter XXIX

Cover illustration for Winding Paths
Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.
Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.
One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?
May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?
So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Winding Paths

Chapter XXIX

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.
Line 2
Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.
Line 3
One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?
Line 4
May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?
Line 5
So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.”

Distant adjective US /ˈdɪstənt/

not friendly or close

From this reading “One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?”

Expecting verb US /ɪkˈspektɪŋ/

thinking that somebody or something will arrive

From this reading “One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?”

Help noun US /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?”

Hence adverb US /hens/

for this reason

From this reading “One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?”

Itself pronoun US /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?”

Need noun US /need/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.”

Shadow noun US /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading “As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?”

All words in this reading · 128

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 Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

allow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

almost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

always

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

appeared

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

beam

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

beautiful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

belief

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

blur

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

carefully

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

clear

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

courage

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

crept

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

dauntless

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

days

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

descending

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

development

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

distantadjectiveUS /ˈdɪstənt/

not friendly or close

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

effort

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

enduring

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

enjoyment

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

enshrouded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

event

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

expectingverbUS /ɪkˈspektɪŋ/

thinking that somebody or something will arrive

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

film

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

fit

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

folds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

full

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

future

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

glad

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

gleam

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

gloom

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

gloomy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

greater

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

grip

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

Hal's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

happened

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

happening

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

helpnounUS /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

henceadverbUS /hens/

for this reason

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

hidden

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

hope

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

individual

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

instead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

knows

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

lessen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

light

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

months

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

more

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

neednounUS /need/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

needed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

new

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

particular

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

perfectness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

picture

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

pitilessness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

possibly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

presents

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

producing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

promise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

quickness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

ray

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

refuses

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

seems

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

send

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

single

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

sinister

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

somewhere

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

spoil

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

spring-time

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

stay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

steadfast

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

strong

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading May it not be that in the development needed to fit the individual for the full and glad enjoyment of the sunshine to come, a ray of light would blur the film, and spoil the picture instead of producing one that is strong, clear and beautiful?

sun

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

sunshine

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

surprising

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

Things

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

use

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

vague

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

wanton

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

weeks

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

whole

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading So, a dauntless belief in the sunshine to come, without a ray to promise it, may make for greater perfectness through steadfast courage than had one beam crept through to lessen the need for effort and for strong enduring.

world

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As the days of that new spring-time crept on, it appeared that the shadow descending upon Hal’s little world had come to stay.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?

wrapped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

wrestling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Things happened with surprising quickness, and each happening was of that particular order which presents itself enshrouded in gloom, and, with a pitilessness which is almost wanton, refuses to allow one gleam of the sunshine, carefully wrapped up in its gloomy folds, to send a single glad ray of hope to those wrestling in its sinister grip.

years

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One knows the sunshine may possibly be hidden there somewhere—sunshine always is hidden in each event somewhere—but what is the use of expecting it weeks or months or years hence, when it seems that one single ray now would be of more help than a whole sun in some vague, distant future?