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 I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
account
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
arrangings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
breakfast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
Breen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
buttered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
carried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
china
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
coffee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
Corinne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
Corinne's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
crept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
dance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
daughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
deciphered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
delivered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/
having firmly decided to do something
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
direction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
disreputable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
disturbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
downtown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
dustings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
ear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
equallynounUS /ˈequally/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
especial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
events
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
fellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
furniture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
guidance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
hectic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
hired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
interesting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
Jack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
lady's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
laid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
maid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
manifold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
meant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
mid-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
noon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
orders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
palms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
Parkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
picked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
pots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
preceding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
retiredverbUS /rɪˈtaɪərd/
went away to a private place
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
rolls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
scrap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
somewhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
spacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
stress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
Strict
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
strictly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
supper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
swept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
upstairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
uptown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
viaprepositionUS /ˈvaɪə/
by way of; passing through
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
waterednounUS /ˈwatered/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Strict orders had been given by Mrs. Breen the night before that certain dustings and arrangings of furniture should take place, the spacious stairs swept, and the hectic hired palms in their great china pots watered.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading I say “the night before,” because especial stress was laid upon the fact that on no account whatever were either Mrs. Breen or her daughter Corinne to be disturbed until noon--neither of them having retired until a late hour the night before.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While all this was going on downtown under the direction of the business end of the house of Breen, equally interesting events were taking place uptown under the guidance of its social head.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This when deciphered meant that Jack was not to be at the dance that evening--he having determined instead to spend his time up stairs with a disreputable old fellow whom he had picked up somewhere at a supper the preceding night.
wireless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
woman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So strictly were these orders carried out that all that did reach the younger woman's ear--and this was not until long after mid-day--was a scrap of news which crept upstairs from the breakfast table via Parkins wireless, was caught by Corinne's maid and delivered in manifold with that young lady's coffee and buttered rolls.
