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 OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
Aaron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
acquainted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
afflicted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
ascertain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
astonishment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
attention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
battle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
BLACK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
BRIGHT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
ceased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
chapters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
CLOUD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
causing pain or showing no kindness
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
demeanour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
disappointmentnounUS /ˈdisappointment/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
disclosure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
distressnounUS /dɪˈstrɛs/
extreme sadness or suffering
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
earlier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
enabled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
extricate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
FALLS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
friend's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
Gordon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
guess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
imagination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
listened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
mission
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
Moss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
observance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
OVERprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
paced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
particulars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
preparing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
proceeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
proposal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
purport
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
reader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
rose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
SHADOWnounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading OVER A BRIGHT CLOUD A BLACK SHADOW FALLS.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
shrewd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
singular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
startle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
stretch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
undertaken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
unfold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
wildest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted in the earlier chapters of this story.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Aaron listened with attention and astonishment: with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with astonishment because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss, with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanour, and, for the good of that friend, preparing for a battle.
