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 was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
activity
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From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
airy
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From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
all
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From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
altogether
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
AnothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
away
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From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
bees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
cells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
certainly
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From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
charming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
comfort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
commodious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
congratulation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
crater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
creaturenounUS /ˈcreature/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
death
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
disastrous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
eruption
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From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
escape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
former
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
frozen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
habitable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
Hive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
impossible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
lava
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
leave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
months
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
Nina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
orderly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
outbreak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
outlet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
quarters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
regret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
rendered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
repliednounUS /replied/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
resort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
resuming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
retreat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
September
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
Servadac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
seven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
sole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
subterraneanadjectiveUS /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
symptoms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
volcano
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
warmth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was altogether quite as much a matter of congratulation as of regret that the volcano showed no symptoms of resuming its activity; for although a return of the eruption might have rendered their former resort again habitable, any sudden outbreak would have been disastrous to them where they were, the crater being the sole outlet by which the burning lava could escape.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading I hardly know how we should have got on without her.”
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Another month passed away, and it was now September, but it was still impossible to leave the warmth of the subterranean retreat for the more airy and commodious quarters of the Hive, where “the bees” would certainly have been frozen to death in their cells.
wretched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A wretched time we have had for the last seven months,” said the orderly one day to his master; “but what a comfort little Nina has been to us all!”
Yes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes, indeed,” replied Servadac; “she is a charming little creature.
