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 NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
acquaintance
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From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
animals
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From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
ANTONIO
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From this reading IN SAN ANTONIO.
any
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From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
anyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/
any person at all
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
arm
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From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
bargain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
bear
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From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
beast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
boys
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From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
brute
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From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
buy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
care
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From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
closer
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From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
desire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
dollars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
dwelling
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From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
eloquencenounUS /ˈel.ə.kwəns/
Fluent, persuasive, and graceful speaking or writing. (Sự hùng biện, tài ăn nói lưu loát.)
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
fastened
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From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
fifteen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
Herbert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
hotel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN SAN ANTONIO.
inspect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
Just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
lank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
late
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From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
manner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
mean
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From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
NICK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
Nick's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
offering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
OurdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
owner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
Plaza
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
purchaser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
reaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
rope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
SAN
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From this reading IN SAN ANTONIO.
sauntered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
someonepronounUS /ˈsʌmwʌn/
a person, without saying who
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
species
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
staple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
stoppednounUS /stopped/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
Texan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
timid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
touched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
urging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading NICK and Herbert stopped on the Plaza to inspect a bear, which a lank Texan had fastened to a staple by a rope, and was waiting thus late at night for a purchaser.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Our friends, however, had no use for any animals of that species, and, taking care to keep beyond reach of the beast, who showed a desire for closer acquaintance, they sauntered toward the hotel.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The moment the boys passed, the owner began urging them to buy, offering the brute for fifteen dollars, and dwelling with much eloquence on the great bargain it was for anyone.
wondering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before reaching it, someone touched Nick’s arm in such a timid manner that he turned, wondering what it could mean.
