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 BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
altogether
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
basket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
Beatrix
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From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
BELLA
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From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
brood
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From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
CONVERSATION
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
distraction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
drives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
happy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
house-mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
idleness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
impracticable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
insatiable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
Isabella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
knee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
leave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
lonely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
ma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
mending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
moor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
NEVERnounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
nightly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
OVERHEARS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BELLA OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION.
overtaxed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
pair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
rides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
Scratchell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
seldom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
skirt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
socks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
solitary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
trousers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
verge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
waist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
winter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEVER in her life had Isabella Scratchell been so happy as she was in those winter days which Beatrix spent in her solitary home, or in long lonely rides or drives across the moor.
withdraw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could not altogether withdraw her help from the overtaxed house-mother, so she sat up for an hour or two nightly, when the rest of the family had gone to bed, mending and making for the insatiable brood.
worked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Isabella, whose time had seldom been given to idleness, now worked day and night.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
you're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading ‘Never mind, ma,’ she would say when Mrs. Scratchell was on the verge of distraction about a skirt, or a ‘waist,’ a pair of impracticable socks, or trousers that were gone at the knee; ‘leave your basket, and I’ll make it right when you’re gone to bed.’
