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 Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
animated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
appertains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
aware
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
axe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
bated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
breaking-point
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
brooded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
chillyadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪli/
unpleasantly cold
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
continuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
dawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
drag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
element
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
examination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
eyeglass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
faces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
fate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
feelings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
fidgety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
GoodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
hanged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
Henry's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
hush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
instance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
leadenadjectiveUS /ˈlɛdən/
heavy, dull, or grey in appearance or movement
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
naturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
nerves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
nigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
oblivion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
operated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
oppressive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
passagenounUS /ˈpassage/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
pause
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
personal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
polishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
pretty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
quiet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
sensations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
similar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
Sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
slow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
solemn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
spectator
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
spirits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
spoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
startnounUS /start/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
stretched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
sympathetic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
tale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
Then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
thoughtful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
trying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, perhaps, the most trying time of all—that slow, slow quarter of an hour.
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
vivid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Then there was a pause, and we stood there in the chilly silent darkness waiting till the moment came to start.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I once remember having to get up before dawn to see a man hanged, and I then went through a very similar set of sensations, only in the present instance my feelings were animated by that more vivid and personal element which naturally appertains rather to the person to be operated on than to the most sympathetic spectator.
whispers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The minutes seemed to drag along with leaden feet, and the quiet, the solemn hush, that brooded over all—big, as it were, with a coming fate, was most oppressive to the spirits.
woodcutter's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The solemn faces of the men, well aware that the short passage of an hour would mean for some, and perhaps all of them, the last great passage to the unknown or oblivion; the bated whispers in which they spoke; even Sir Henry’s continuous and thoughtful examination of his woodcutter’s axe and the fidgety way in which Good kept polishing his eyeglass, all told the same tale of nerves stretched pretty nigh to breaking-point.
