Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
19th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
account
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From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
adequately
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From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
alarmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
all
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From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
appreciate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
BEFOREprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading HOW I STOOD BEFORE THE PREFECT.
Betsy
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From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
bonds
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From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
bosom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
century
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
describing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
equanimitynounUS /ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.t̬i/
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
escort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
fail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
failed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
feelings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
greater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
Grubbington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
horrible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
HOW
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From this reading HOW I STOOD BEFORE THE PREFECT.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading HOW I STOOD BEFORE THE PREFECT.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
imprisonment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
insistedverbUS /ɪnˈsɪstɪd/
demanded something firmly
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
insured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
insuring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
laboured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
lapse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
necessarily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
NotadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
parish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
PREFECT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW I STOOD BEFORE THE PREFECT.
public
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
Starch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Starch, I mean Betsy Jane, has, since my return to the 19th century, insisted on my insuring my life.
STOODnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading HOW I STOOD BEFORE THE PREFECT.
succeeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOW I STOOD BEFORE THE PREFECT.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
tremble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
tribunal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
walk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not of course that I was alarmed on my own account, but I felt for my wife and family, and I was all of a tremble for Grubbington parish.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps had I been at the period of my lapse well insured, I could have faced the tribunal with greater equanimity.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
worse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never succeeded in adequately describing to Betsy Jane my feelings under escort to bonds and imprisonment, and perhaps worse; and if I failed in making the wife of my bosom appreciate the horrible anxiety under which I laboured during that walk, I must necessarily fail with the public.
