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 A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
accountsnounUS /ˈaccounts/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s all I have to say to you, my dear!”
altogether
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
Bleak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
busy and excited activity
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
cheerfully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
contentedly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s all I have to say to you, my dear!”
devoted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
drawers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
Esther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
finding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
growlery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading That’s all I have to say to you, my dear!”
health
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
House
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
housekeeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
journeys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
keys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
laid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
leisure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
merry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
moment's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
mornings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
Once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
overjoyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
overpowering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
parts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
pealnounUS /piːl/
a loud ringing burst of sound
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
perfectly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
presses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
punctual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
rang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
rearrangements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
repeatednounUS /repeated/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
restored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
returning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s all I have to say to you, my dear!”
settlements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
Struggle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The first few mornings were mornings of so much bustle and business, devoted to such settlements of accounts, such repeated journeys to and fro between the growlery and all other parts of the house, so many rearrangements of drawers and presses, and such a general new beginning altogether, that I had not a moment’s leisure.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s all I have to say to you, my dear!”
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
welcome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A Struggle When our time came for returning to Bleak House again, we were punctual to the day and were received with an overpowering welcome.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was perfectly restored to health and strength, and finding my housekeeping keys laid ready for me in my room, rang myself in as if I had been a new year, with a merry little peal.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Once more, duty, duty, Esther,” said I; “and if you are not overjoyed to do it, more than cheerfully and contentedly, through anything and everything, you ought to be.
