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 The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
astonishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
awakened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
betook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
breathing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
carefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
Colin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
Colin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
common
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
concerned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
contact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
conversation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
cultivate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
disagreeable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
dissipate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
doors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
edited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
endeavour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
escape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
escaping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
fears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
feel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
feelings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
flagged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
friendly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
fully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
gaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
Grave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
happiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
history
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
hope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
invalid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
Lauderdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
Meredith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
Meredith's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
moment's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
opinions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
opposition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
practicable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
prospect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
readers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
realize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
reminiscences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
retiredverbUS /rɪˈtaɪərd/
went away to a private place
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
revolution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
risk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
secured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
sole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
son's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
subject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
Voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Meredith betook himself to the only subject that seemed to him practicable--his son’s book, which Colin had edited so carefully; but then it is already known to the readers of this history that Colin’s opinions were by no means those of the “Voice from the Grave.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
watched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The evening passed on, Colin could not very well tell how; and he began to see a prospect of escaping a little, and gaining a moment’s breathing time, to realize, if he could, the astonishing revolution which had taken place.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading He had to escape not only from Mr. Meredith, who watched him with the anxiety of a man who fears to see his last hope escape him, but also from Lauderdale, who was concerned less for Alice than for Colin, and whose anxiety, now that his mind had been fully awakened, was as great that Colin should not risk his own happiness, as was Mr. Meredith’s anxiety that the happiness of Alice should be secured.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Alice, who was an invalid, retired early; and after that the conversation flagged, and the three men who had so little in common, and who had been, on the sole occasion which had brought them into contact with each other before, so entirely in opposition, found it hard to know what to say, so as to cultivate all the friendly feelings that were possible and dissipate the disagreeable reminiscences.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then the young man was burning to escape--to get out of doors and feel the wind on his face, and endeavour in the silence and darkness to realize his position.
