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 In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
blackenedadjectiveUS /ˈblækənd/
made dark by burning or soot made dark by soot, burning, or black marks
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
Buytenhoff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
castle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
cavalry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
closed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
closeness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
coolness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
Cornelius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
crowded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
De
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
detention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
drawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
edifice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
facade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
forcing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
General
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
iron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
iron-barred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
ItsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
led
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
mob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
MOB-VERDICT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MOB-VERDICT.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
Monsieur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
narrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
ogive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
palace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
pierced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
prevented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
principal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
prison
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
Provinces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
ranks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
Republic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
rose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
separated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
services
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
sessions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
Seven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
Square
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
States
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
thanks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
Tilly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
troop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
troopers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
vast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
vicinity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
Witt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.