Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
aroused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
bitterest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
circumstances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
clenched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
CONTAINS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
criednounUS /cried/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
crossed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
crowd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
curiosity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
downcast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
emotion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
ENID
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
escape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
excitedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪd/
very enthusiastic or eager
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
exclaimed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
facts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
fear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
Fetherston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbəl/
very difficult to deal with or overcome
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
gloved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
hurried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
ignorantnounUS /ˈignorant/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
instantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
meaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
meeting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
onlookers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
opponent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
outburst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
pair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
patient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
paying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
prevented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
recognising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
reluctantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
shame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
shrank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
SOME
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
started
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
STARTLING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
STATEMENTS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Ah, Walter," she cried, her small, gloved hands clenched with a sudden outburst of emotion, "be patient and hear me!
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
threshold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
true
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
turning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
unexpected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
unusual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The small crowd of excited onlookers, ignorant of the true facts, but their curiosity aroused by the unusual circumstances, had prevented the pair from turning back and making a hurried escape.
visit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
Walter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
Weirmarsh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Enid!" exclaimed Fetherston, as the girl reluctantly crossed the threshold with downcast head, "what is the meaning of this?
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
Why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading CONTAINS SOME STARTLING STATEMENTS ENID, recognising Walter, shrank back instantly in fear and shame, while Weirmarsh started at that unexpected meeting with the man whom he knew to be his bitterest and most formidable opponent.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Why are you paying a visit to this house at such an hour?"
