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 There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
amusement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
apt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
conflict
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
deal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
discussions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
fancying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
flirtations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
grave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
happiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
indulge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
inspection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
outsidenounUS /ˈoutside/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
popular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
private
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
reading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
somewhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
throughoutprepositionUS /θruːˈaʊt/
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
watches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
wild
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
yawning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
