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 looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
ablaze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
Alstyne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
Alstyne's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
aristocratic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
band
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
banks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
brilliant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
CONSERVATORY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE CONSERVATORY.
conventional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
decorated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
evening-dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
fairly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
fairy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
flattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
flower-wreathed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
flowers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
forth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
glittering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
grand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
gratified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
illumination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE CONSERVATORY.
intoxicating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
jasmine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
maddening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
mansion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
musicians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
nook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
palace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It looked like a fairy palace, glittering with its brilliant illumination.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
pride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
prominent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
reception
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
red
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
roses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
Senator
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
shining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
splendid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
strains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE CONSERVATORY.
thrown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
ugliness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
Van
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
vanity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A grand reception was taking place, and Senator Van Alstyne, in all the ugliness of conventional evening-dress, was prominent among his aristocratic guests, his red face fairly shining with gratified pride and flattered vanity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Senator Van Alstyne’s splendid mansion was ablaze with light.
WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
wreathed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within, the great rooms were thrown open, and wreathed and decorated with flowers, with banks of roses and jasmine, and a flower-wreathed nook from behind which a band of musicians sent forth strains of music maddening, intoxicating.
