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 “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
abandoned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
Andorrans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
argumentnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/
a reason or example used to support an idea
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
begun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
ceased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
clue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
colder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
common
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
companion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore it will lead towards their country.”
cuttings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/
having firmly decided to do something
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
earth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
embankments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
energy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
fall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
fit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
flat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
follow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
grew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
habitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
half-road
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
lasted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
lead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore it will lead towards their country.”
led
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
magic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
mile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
mist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
mountain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
oddest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
pavements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
road
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
sensation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
shape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
steep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Therefore it will lead towards their country.”
ThereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Therefore it will lead towards their country.”
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “The tall and silent Andorrans in a fit of energy must have begun this road, though later in another fit they abandoned it.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
tired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading Therefore it will lead towards their country.”
turns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
unmetalled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
walking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Therefore it will lead towards their country.”
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading It was the oddest sensation in the world walking in the mist a mile and more above the habitations of men, upon unmetalled, common earth which yet had the exact shape of pavements, cuttings, and embankments upon either side, with no sort of clue as to where it led or as to why men began to make it, and still less of an argument as to why they had ceased.
z's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It went up and up in great long turns and z’s upon the face of the mountain, until at last it grew less steep; the mist grew colder, and after a long flat I thought the land began to fall a little, and I said to my companion:
zigzags
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as we were very tired of walking up a steep which had now lasted for so many hours, we determined to follow the large zigzags of this unknown and magic half-road, and so we did.
