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 He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
affront
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From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
afraid
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From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
all
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From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
allowed
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From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
Almost
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From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
attempt
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From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
Beauclerc's
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From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
befriend
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From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
blocks
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From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
bringing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
build
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
care
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From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
castle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
castles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
considering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
Dens
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From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
destruction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
effected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
Empress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
ferocity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
full
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From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
Henry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
humane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
immense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
kind-hearted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
King's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
masonry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
massive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
means
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From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
misery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
moat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
mounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
nine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
Norman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
Northern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
oppressors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
owners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
parties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
perplexities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
please
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
policy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
prevent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
reigned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
remain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
requited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
restrain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
Saxons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
South
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
spot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
Stephen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
Stephen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
strengthen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
subjects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
succeeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
thieves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
threat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
tradition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had tried to please all parties, and by no means succeeded.
unfortunate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Stephen had left his Northern subjects to take care of themselves, because he was full of perplexities in the South.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Dens of thieves they seem to have been, and misery and destruction reigned round them; while the least attempt on the King’s part to restrain the ferocity of their owners was requited by a threat of bringing in our lady the Empress.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
wished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a humane, kind-hearted man, and really wished to befriend the unfortunate Saxons; but, on the other hand, he was afraid to affront their Norman oppressors, whom he had allowed to build castles, and strengthen themselves in the very way which it had been Henry Beauclerc’s policy to prevent.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
wonder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost every spot where green mounds and blocks of massive masonry remain within an ancient moat, is said by tradition to have been “a castle in Stephen’s time,” and we wonder, considering that he reigned but nine years, how such immense works could have been effected.
