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 If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
aboard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
accustomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
avoided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
await
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
barrel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
breaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
cards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
Carlin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
checking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
coil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
convenience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
cordage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
dealt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
December
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
delay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
dischargedverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒd/
released from a duty or job
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
doubtless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
due
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
escaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
Fate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
Felix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
fit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
game
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
ills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
instance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
manila
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
minute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
missing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
nod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
nose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
pavement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
penny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
played
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
postman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
reported
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
rope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
savednounUS /saved/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
seal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
ship-chandler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
shop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
sleepless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
spectacles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
sperm-oil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
standingnounUS /ˈstanding/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
Stephen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
stopping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
tails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
tossed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
train
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
unlucky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
unopened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
visits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
wagon-load
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
weary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Felix continued his visits to Stephen Carlin's shop, he might have escaped many sleepless hours and saved himself many weary steps.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Fate had doubtless dealt him one of those unlucky cards which we so often find in our hands when the game of life is being played.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading And so I say that had Felix continued his visits to Stephen as he should have done, he would, one December afternoon, have found the ship-chandler standing in the door, spectacles on his nose, checking off a wagon-load of manila rope which had just been discharged on his pavement, stopping only to nod to the postman who had brought him a letter.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
wreckedadjectiveUS /rɛkt/
destroyed or damaged by shipwreck
From this reading If, for instance, the book to the right, holding the lost will, had been opened instead of the book to the left; or if we had caught the wrecked train by a minute or less; or had our penny come up heads instead of coming up tails: how many of the ills of life would have been avoided?
yachts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The delay in breaking the seal was due entirely to the fact that a coil of light cordage, used aboard the yachts he was accustomed to fit out, had just been reported as missing, and so the unopened letter was tossed on top a barrel of sperm-oil to await his convenience.
