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 During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
affairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
aquatic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
attractions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
boating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
boats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
boys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
chiefly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
clubs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
continuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
devoted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
doings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
duties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
errands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
exercise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
holiday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
holidays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
interfering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
lake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
leisure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
LIGHTHOUSE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE LIGHTHOUSE.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
members
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
perform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
portion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
principal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
Probably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
Saturday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
split
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
sports
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
supposenounUS /ˈsuppose/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
sweep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LIGHTHOUSE.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
Wednesday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A portion of Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, and of their other holidays, was given to these aquatic sports; so that they were really on the lake but a small part of the time.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Probably, if they had spent all their leisure in the boats, the exercise would have lost its attractions, besides interfering very much with their home and school affairs.
yards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had their school duties to perform, their errands to do, wood to split, yards to sweep; in short, they had to do just like other boys.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the month of May, the members of the two clubs continued to spend many of their leisure hours on the lake; but my young friends must not suppose that life was to them a continuous holiday; and, because these books are devoted chiefly to their doings on the water, that boating was the only, or the principal business that occupied them.
