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 THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
accomplished
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
all
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
battle
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
bridge
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From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
captors
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
capture
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From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
carefully
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
CAT'S
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From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
cavalry
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From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
Colonel
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From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
deliverance
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
depend
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
developed
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
door
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From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
far
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From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
Fighting
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
flight
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From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
floor
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From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
force
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From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
gained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
ground
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
guarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
guerillas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
hungry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
important
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
knowledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
learned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
led
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
manner
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
means
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
MONKEY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
noted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
only
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From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
PAW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
perceived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
plan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
planter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
preciousadjectiveUS /ˈpreʃəs/
rare and worth a great deal
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
precisely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
prisoner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
protection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
railroad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
readilynounUS /readily/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
regarded
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From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
Roman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
sentinel
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From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
SHARP
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
Somers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
squad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
strategy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
surroundings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
thorough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
TOO
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAT’S PAW TOO SHARP FOR THE MONKEY.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The prisoner had carefully noted all the surroundings, for he had learned from “Fighting Joe” that the battle was gained only by good strategy, which must depend upon a thorough knowledge of the ground.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When the precious plan of his captors was first developed, Somers regarded it as the means of his deliverance, though he could not then tell precisely in what manner it was to be accomplished.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE side door of the house opened into the hall, where Somers stood as sentinel for the hungry guerillas, and from which a flight of stairs led to the second floor.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He knew that an important bridge on the railroad, not far from Colonel Roman’s house, was guarded by a squad of cavalry, and he readily perceived that this force would be brought up by the planter for the protection of his family and the capture of the guerillas.
