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 G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
acknowledging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
AlasexclamationUS /əˈlæs/
used to show sadness, pity, or regret
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
AndeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
ax
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
backs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
banter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
bit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
C
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
charm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
Cheered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
courteous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
critic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
Dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
denoted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
discovered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
editors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
Evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
flung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
Folks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
fresh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
G
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
generous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
Harper's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
instant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
Italic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
Jack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
Jack's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
leagues
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
limping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
link
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
London
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
Magazine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
maidennoun, literaryUS /ˈmeɪdən/
a young woman who is not married
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
noble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
NOTE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
olden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
originally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
pen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
permission
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
pleasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
Post
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
praise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
published
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
reprint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
rhymes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
Saturday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
seas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
serve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
Shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
sharp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
showers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
Sketch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
spell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
suns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
sweet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
text
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
TheirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
tonguenounUS /tongue/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
trivial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
twain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
underscores
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
vain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
verses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
W
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading NOTE I have pleasure in acknowledging the courteous permission of the editors to reprint in this form such of the following verses as were originally published in _Harper's Magazine_, the _Saturday Evening Post_, and the _London Sketch_.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
whispered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.
worked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If but, long leagues across the seas, The trivial charm of rhymes like these Shall serve to link us twain An instant in the olden spell That once we knew and loved so well, I have not worked in vain!
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading G. W. C. A noble and a generous mind Was Jack's; Folks knew he would not talk behind Their backs: But when some maiden fresh and young, At Jack a bit of banter flung, She soon discovered that his tongue Was sharp as any ax.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How short, how sweet those younger hours, How bright our suns, how few our showers, Alas, we knew not then!
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ In memory of other days, Dear critic, when your whispered praise Cheered on the limping pen.