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 That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
assertion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
blank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
brand-new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
Chilian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
comes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
concerned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
continue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
contract
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
cousin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
earth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
extraordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
hatred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
history
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
induced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
interested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
JOHN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JOHN RAMSAY TAKES UP THE TALE.
Luke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
marriage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
Mystery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
paper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
pen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
penmanship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
personally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
pledged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
RAMSAY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JOHN RAMSAY TAKES UP THE TALE.
resulted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
safely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
SanctuarynounUS /ˈsæŋk.tʃu.er.i/
A place of safety, refuge, or holy retreat within the academy.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
seems
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
sheet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
TAKES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JOHN RAMSAY TAKES UP THE TALE.
TALE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JOHN RAMSAY TAKES UP THE TALE.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
tells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JOHN RAMSAY TAKES UP THE TALE.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
trouble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
undertaken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One assertion I can safely make, and that is that this is the first time I have ever undertaken such a contract.
UP
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JOHN RAMSAY TAKES UP THE TALE.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
wondering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That time, he tells me, has now arrived, and so it comes to pass that I find myself sitting before a blank sheet of paper, holding a brand-new pen in my hand, and wondering how on earth I'm going to set down all the extraordinary things I have to tell.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
write
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems that when I induced my cousin by marriage, Luke Sanctuary, to write the first part of this history, I pledged myself to continue the work at the point where I became personally interested in it.
writing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For writing was always a trouble to me; and now I come to think of it, it was that very hatred of penmanship which resulted in my being concerned in what I shall always call that "Chilian Mystery."
