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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
away
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From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
best
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
celebrated
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
content
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From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
conversation
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
corner
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From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/
two people or things considered together
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
courage
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
Deanery
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
Dick
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
Doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
entertainments
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
exchangednounUS /ˈexchanged/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
feature
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
follow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
further
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From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
girl
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
glance
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
hearts
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From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
hours
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From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
inclinations
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From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
interruption
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From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
kind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
Later
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From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
leisure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
low
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
meaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
melody
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
members
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
notes
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
old
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
opening
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From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
played
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
proceeding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
pursuing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
Quietly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
RIFLED
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From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
SAFE
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From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
screw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
secluded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
silly
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From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
sticking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
stole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
Street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
sweetheart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
tête-à-tête
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
violinist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
wailing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
whisper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
