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 incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
charity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
circumstances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
detailsnounUS /ˈdetails/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Fantine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
gap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
improbable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
incidents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
infirmary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Javert's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Lazarets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
M
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Madeleine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
managed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
names
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
notice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
nuns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
partially
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Perpetua
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
reader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
record
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
respect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
retain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
serious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
SIMPLICE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SISTER SIMPLICE.
SISTER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SISTER SIMPLICE.
sisters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
smallest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
visit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
