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 On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
always
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From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
Antoine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
attentive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
begged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
Billardiere's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
clerks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
deliver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
des
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
donned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
Dutocq
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
Dutocq's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
eight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
excitement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
fail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
fees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
flattering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
general-secretary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
illness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
La
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
latter's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
Laurent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
Lupeaulx's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
minister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
ministry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
Monsieur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
nobodypronounUS /ˈnoʊbɑːdiː/
no person; not anyone
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
nomination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
offices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
ordered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
overslept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
post
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
punctually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
Rabourdin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
Rabourdin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
rumor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
secretly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
servant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
seven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
signing-days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
specially
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
spread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
surenounUS /sure/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “I’m sure I don’t know how it happened,” he said, “but I overslept myself.
thanks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading On this occasion the three servants were at their post, flattering themselves they should get a few fees; for a rumor of Rabourdin’s nomination had spread through the ministry the night before, thanks to Dutocq.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
transact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
Uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
uniform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
Wednesday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On such days the clerks came punctually, the servants were specially attentive, there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days,--and why, nobody ever knew.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The next day, Wednesday, Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister, for he had filled the late La Billardiere’s place since the beginning of the latter’s illness.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform, when, at a quarter to eight, des Lupeaulx’s servant came in with a letter, which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq, saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq’s house by seven o’clock.
