Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
Advent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
angles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
banners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
Baptistery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
briskadjectiveUS /brɪsk/
energetic and quick
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
carpet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
coats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
colour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
constellations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
content
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
degree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
del
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
difference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
dispensed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
drapery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
Duomo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
errands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
exceptional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
flushed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
grey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
groups
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
hastening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But not all the feet in the Piazza were hastening towards the steps.
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
holiday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
lilies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
low
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
marble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
moving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
numerous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
pace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
People
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
Piazza
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
preaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
reasonsnounUS /ˈreasons/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
scattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
sermon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
sermons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
sheaves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
sky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
streets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
talkers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
thickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading But not all the feet in the Piazza were hastening towards the steps.
trodden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
unfurled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the hour of the Advent sermons, and the very same reasons which had flushed the streets with holiday colour were reasons why the preaching in the Duomo could least of all be dispensed with.
willing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People of high and low degree were moving to and fro with the brisk pace of men who had errands before them; groups of talkers were thickly scattered, some willing to be late for the sermon, and others content not to hear it at all.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
yellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was grey, but that made little difference in the Piazza del Duomo, which was covered with its holiday sky of blue drapery, and its constellations of yellow lilies and coats of arms.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading The sheaves of banners were unfurled at the angles of the Baptistery, but there was no carpet yet on the steps of the Duomo, for the marble was being trodden by numerous feet that were not at all exceptional.
