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 I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
alarm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
apparition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
apprehension
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
BARBARA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BARBARA.
basement
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From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
Bob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
Bob's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
candle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
cat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
companion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
confidencenounUS /ˈconfidence/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
contented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
faithfulnounUS /ˈfaithful/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
foes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
greet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
humane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
inferred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
inspired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
instrument
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
lit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
murderous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
possessing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
powerless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
prepared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
quarters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
quickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
revolver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
sleeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
smiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
soundly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
spectral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
thankful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I sat up in bed, and quickly lit a candle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Bob was sleeping soundly, and I saw nothing in the room to alarm me; I was quite prepared to greet once more the apparition of my faithful companion, but as the cat was not in sight I inferred that it was contented with its quarters in the basement.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a small table by Bob's side lay his revolver, ready to his hand, and even in this moment of apprehension I smiled at the idea of my friend--the most humane man in the world--possessing so murderous an instrument.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I was thankful, however, that he had brought it; powerless as it would be against spectral foes it inspired me with confidence.
