Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
action
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
age
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
air
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From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
any
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
Archibald
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From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
back
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From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
bald
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/
next to; at the side of
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
beverage
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
BISHOP'S
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
bright
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
broad-brimmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
brown
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
caused
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
clear
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
close-cut
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
closely
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From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
clothes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
coffee
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
company
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From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
consequent
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From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
considerable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
countenance
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From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
covered
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
digestion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
dinner
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From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
distance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
dull
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From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
exhilaration
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From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
explain
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From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
exposing
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
expression
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From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
extreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪd/
prepared and equipped for a particular purpose
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
friendly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
front
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From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
geniality
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From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
glad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
glancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
grown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
guides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
heartyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑrti/
large, enthusiastic, and satisfying, especially of a meal
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
herenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
meal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
mellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
optimistic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
plenty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
plumper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
possession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
shrunken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
stranger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
suggesting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
suitably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
TALE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
tightness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
trace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But his only beverage had been coffee, and in his clear bright eye there was no trace of any exhilaration, except that caused by the action of a hearty meal upon a good digestion and an optimistic disposition.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
wearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading "I am very glad," he said, looking about him at the company, and then glancing with a friendly air towards the two guides, who stood a little back of Mr. Archibald, "to have this opportunity to explain my appearance here.
wine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE BISHOP'S TALE The stranger placed his broad-brimmed hat on the ground beside him, exposing a large round head somewhat bald in front, but not from age, and the rest of it covered with close-cut brown hair.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading His black clothes fitted him very closely, their extreme tightness suggesting that they had shrunken in the course of wearing, or that he had grown much plumper since he had come into possession of them; and their general worn and dull appearance gave considerable distance to the period of their first possession.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But there was nothing worn or dull about the countenance of the man, upon which was an expression of mellow geniality which would have been suitably consequent upon a good dinner with plenty of wine.
