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 A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
all
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From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
alteration
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From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
annually
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From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
ante-chambers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
approbation
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From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
arrival
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From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
attire
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From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
ball
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From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
Baroness
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From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
birthday
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From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
brilliantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
Castle
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From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
daughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
decided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
due
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
exercising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
feminine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
finding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
finishing-touch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
flock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
fresh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
Gabrielle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
Government-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
Harder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
improvement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
innovation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
levee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
lighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
maid's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
mainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
met
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
needed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
notabilities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
patience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
perpetually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
posts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
preparations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
quickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
R
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
reception
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
resplendent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
severely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
Sovereign's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
state-apartments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Gabrielle had dressed more quickly than her mother; that lady was still severely exercising her maid's patience by perpetually finding some fresh thing in her attire which needed alteration or improvement.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole first story of the Government-house was brilliantly lighted up.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
withdrawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
wont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great reception was annually held there on the occasion of the Sovereign's birthday, when all the notabilities of the town and country around were wont to flock to the Castle.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This year the usual levee was to be followed by a ball, an innovation mainly due to the presence of Baroness Harder and her daughter, and one which met with the decided approbation of all the feminine world of R----.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading It was too early as yet for the arrival of the guests, but the state-apartments were resplendent with light, and the servants, having put the finishing-touch to their preparations, had withdrawn to their posts in the ante-chambers and hall.
