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 He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
action
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
adopt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
afforded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
attitude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
battle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a battle of giants.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The court delivered judgment just before the luncheon interval.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
breach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
C
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
celebrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was opposed by Ram, the other celebrated breach of promise man.
class
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
collapsing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
courage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
court
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
delivered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The court delivered judgment just before the luncheon interval.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
event
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
giants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a battle of giants.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
half-past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
improving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
interval
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The court delivered judgment just before the luncheon interval.
Irene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
judgment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The court delivered judgment just before the luncheon interval.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
list
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
luncheon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The court delivered judgment just before the luncheon interval.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was opposed by Ram, the other celebrated breach of promise man.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
obliged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
opposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was opposed by Ram, the other celebrated breach of promise man.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was opposed by Ram, the other celebrated breach of promise man.
promise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
provide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
Q
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
Ram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was opposed by Ram, the other celebrated breach of promise man.
reputation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
requested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
showing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
sides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
Soames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
startnounUS /start/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
Waterbuck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been requested to be in court by half-past ten, to provide against the event of the first action (a breach of promise) collapsing, which however it did not, both sides showing a courage that afforded Waterbuck, Q.C., an opportunity for improving his already great reputation in this class of case.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading In the morning of his case, which was second in the list, Soames was again obliged to start without seeing Irene, and it was just as well, for he had not as yet made up his mind what attitude to adopt towards her.
