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 They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
adjoining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
attention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
attracting
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From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
Babbington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
betray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
box
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
Carleton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
changed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
CORRIDOR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE CORRIDOR.
day
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From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪərəs/
having a strong wish to do or obtain something
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
detective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
discover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
ensuing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
gained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
game
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
guard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE CORRIDOR.
interval
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
interview
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
intruded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
leave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
leaving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
Lynne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
Nick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
occupants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
occupation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
particularly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
perfectly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
playing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
principals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
realize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
secrets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE CORRIDOR.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They would be put on their guard again, particularly Madge, and there would be a longer interval than the one just passed before either of them would make another move to betray the secrets of the game they were playing.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
wished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The detective changed his mind about entering the box occupied by Carleton Lynne, for he had already heard enough to give him occupation for the ensuing day, and there was now nothing to be gained by an interview with either of the principals in the case.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Nick was desirous now of leaving the box into which he had intruded, even though the occupants of it were his friends; but he wished to leave it without attracting attention from the box adjoining.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He knew perfectly well that if either Lynne or Madge Babbington should chance to discover his presence so near to them, they would both realize that it was not chance that had taken him there.
