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 “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
ascending
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From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
become
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From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
begin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
behalf
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From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
cold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is getting very cold, Ida, dear, is it not?” said she.
complaining
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From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
dastard
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From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is getting very cold, Ida, dear, is it not?” said she.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
exclusively
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From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
fitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
freedom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
getting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is getting very cold, Ida, dear, is it not?” said she.
gradually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
heard
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From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
hill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
Ida
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From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It is getting very cold, Ida, dear, is it not?” said she.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
Italy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
junior
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
made
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From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
matters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
MydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
Naples
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “It is getting very cold, Ida, dear, is it not?” said she.
note
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
pleasantnounUS /pleasant/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
quiescent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
residence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
returning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
season
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
struggle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
suggesting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
Talboys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But now, when matters began gradually to become quiescent, she brought her back, suggesting, as she did so, that they might begin to think of returning.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
unmarried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My wife had taken Ida out of the way when the first complaining note from Mrs. Talboys had been heard ascending the hill.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading “Naples!” she said, as though now speaking exclusively to herself, “the only ground in Italy which has as yet made no struggle on behalf of freedom;--a fitting residence for such a dastard!”
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You would have found it very pleasant at this season,” said the unmarried lady, who was three years her junior.
