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 It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
banished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
benefit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
boots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
borders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
Christmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
cigars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
combined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
comfortable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
concluded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
confess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
conversation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
cool
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
deposited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
desire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
dozen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
ease
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
easy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
effects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
FirstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
groves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
Harrod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
ill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
insinuating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
insupportable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
Louisiana
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
magnolias
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
mild
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
nervous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fact, if I must confess it, I was nervous and ill at ease.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
night-air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
noiselessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
orange
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
overcoat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
pair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
Pomp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
prepared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
proceeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
pulling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
secure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
sleep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
slippers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
starlit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
stifling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
Summers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
Tennessee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
utility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
warm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading First pulling off my boots and insinuating my feet into an easy old pair of slippers, I took the boots to the door and deposited them noiselessly in the hall, where small Pomp, the "general utility" man of the household, could find and black them in the morning.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The room seemed close and stifling, so I opened both window and door to secure the full benefit of the cool night-air, and then proceeded to make myself comfortable.
wintry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a clear, starlit night and very mild, almost warm, in fact; and having spent my Christmas but a few days before amid the orange groves and magnolias of Louisiana, I had prepared myself for something more wintry on the borders of Tennessee; but up to that time my overcoat had been insupportable.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The combined effects of half a dozen cigars and the conversation just concluded with Harrod Summers had banished all desire for sleep.
