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 So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
audacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
blot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
cause
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From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
comment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
conditions
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From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
content
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
custom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
detail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
especial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
experience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
forever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
forget
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
freeadjectiveUS /friː/
acting without enough restraint or discipline
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
history
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
idly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
impossible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
knowledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
language
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/
Recollections of past events.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
mental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
obey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
obtained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
phrase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
possessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
readers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
record
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
relations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
retreat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
ripple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
scarcely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
seems
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
selection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems to me impossible in any set of conditions that memory could blot that experience from my being; but of that what know I?
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
smallest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
system
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
Up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/
in contrast with the fact that
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading Up to this time I have never been able to forget the smallest detail of that night whose history I am now to record.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading How know we what law of selection our memories will obey in that system of mental relations which we call "forever"?
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading I, who believe myself to have obtained some especial knowledge upon this point, not possessed by all my readers, and to be more free than many another to use such language, still retreat before the phrase, and content myself with saying, "I have never forgotten."
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So often and so idly it is our custom to say, I shall never forget! that the words scarcely cause a ripple of comment in the mind; whereas, in fact, they are among the most audacious which we ever take upon our lips.
