Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
absent
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From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
absolutely
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From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
boss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
breaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
Byram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
caused
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From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
clerk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
company's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
concerning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
danger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
deepest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
Didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
Donovan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
entered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
explaining
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From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
exposedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspəʊzd/
left open to danger or view left open to danger or public view
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
fear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
foul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
gained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
Miller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
play
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
possession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
previous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
purchases
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
remain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
remembrance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
search
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
SHAFT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
Skip
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
staid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
stay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
store
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
suspicion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
threats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
troubled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading IN THE SHAFT Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest anxiety.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know I would be troubled concerning him."
widow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs. Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
