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 Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It is the morning after Lady Chetwoode's ball.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
atoms
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From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
BAD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
ball
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From this reading It is the morning after Lady Chetwoode's ball.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
blow
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From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
c'est
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
certainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
Chetwoode's
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From this reading It is the morning after Lady Chetwoode's ball.
CLOUD
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From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
comes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
commencement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
causing pain or showing no kindness
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
de
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
DOROTHY
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From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
eagerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
edge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
fall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
falls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
fin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
final
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
forged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
GATHERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
HAVEauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
home-ties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
hopefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
HOUR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
inserted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
la
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
Lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is the morning after Lady Chetwoode's ball.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
le
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
links
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is the morning after Lady Chetwoode's ball.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
NICHOLAS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
obstinate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
Perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
persistency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
QUARTER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
quiver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
scoffed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
shaft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
shatter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
strings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
sword
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
tender
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
THEIRdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading HOW THE CLOUD GATHERS--AND HOW NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY HAVE THEIR BAD QUARTER OF AN HOUR.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
touches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
Towers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
trembles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
wedge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thin edge of the wedge has been inserted: the sword trembles to its fall: _c'est le commencement de la fin_.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading The blow so long expected, yet so eagerly and hopefully scoffed at with obstinate persistency, falls at last (all too soon) upon the Towers.
youth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps it is not the very final blow that when it comes must shatter to atoms all the old home-ties, and the tender links that youth has forged, but it is certainly a cruel shaft, that touches the heart strings, making them quiver.
