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AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
abomination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
aimless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
amazing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
asserted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
car
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
coal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
comparison
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From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
concealed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
concluded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
declared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
desolation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
discussion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
earth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
endure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
existed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
finally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
hidden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How about it, Mr. Miner?"
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
Isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
Land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
lively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
marooned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
metal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
midst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
Miner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How about it, Mr. Miner?"
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
Ophir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
ore-producing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
Pennsylvania
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Is this place in the midst of the ore-producing or the coal region?" some one asked, "or is it in neither?
probable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
quality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
rear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
regarding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
region
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
resolved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
responded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
Some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
SONG
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
spoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
surface
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading "I don't know," responded the Miner, "I only know that if it's coal, it's better than metal.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
TOAD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TOAD AND A SONG There had been a period of aimless talk in the rear car after the Miner had concluded, but this resolved itself finally into a lively discussion regarding the probable quality of the hidden country round about.
wealth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Some declared that there existed only the abomination of desolation while others spoke of the amazing wealth concealed beneath the surface of the earth and asserted that neither the Land of Ophir nor Pennsylvania could endure comparison with the region in which they were now marooned.
