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 ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
abbé
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Look at it,” said the abbé with a smile.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Look at it,” said the abbé with a smile.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He did not speak, but showed the paper to Dantès.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
captivity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
chamber
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
companion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
compass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
composed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
constantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
cylinder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
Dantès
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not speak, but showed the paper to Dantès.
easily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
entered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
Faria
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
inquirednounUS /ˈinquired/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “What is that?” he inquired.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “What is that?” he inquired.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
LooknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Look at it,” said the abbé with a smile.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
narrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
paper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
ray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
recollected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
retained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
rolled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Look at it,” said the abbé with a smile.
seated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
sheet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not speak, but showed the paper to Dantès.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
smile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Look at it,” said the abbé with a smile.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not speak, but showed the paper to Dantès.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “What is that?” he inquired.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “What is that?” he inquired.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Dantès returned next morning to the chamber of his companion in captivity, he found Faria seated and looking composed.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the ray of light which entered by the narrow window of his cell, he held open in his left hand, of which alone, it will be recollected, he retained the use, a sheet of paper, which, from being constantly rolled into a small compass, had the form of a cylinder, and was not easily kept open.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Look at it,” said the abbé with a smile.
