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 A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
addressed
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From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The interest in her look was not the simple one to be expected.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
blind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
candid
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From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
cause
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
change
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From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
chosen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
committed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
Ellen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
especial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The interest in her look was not the simple one to be expected.
extreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
flight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
floor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
friendship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
glimpses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
helper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
hope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
hurried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The interest in her look was not the simple one to be expected.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
liked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The interest in her look was not the simple one to be expected.
maid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
Mayor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
meeting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
member
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
needed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The interest in her look was not the simple one to be expected.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
opinion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
Packard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
simple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The interest in her look was not the simple one to be expected.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
smart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
suggested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
task
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But I soon saw cause--or thought I did--to change this opinion.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
tripping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
up-stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
wake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When she turned on me at the door of my room, a small one at the extreme end of the third floor, I had an opportunity of meeting her eyes.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I liked this girl at first sight and, as I followed her up first one flight, then another, to the room which had been chosen for me, the hurried glimpses I had of her bright and candid face suggested that in this especial member of the household I might hope to find a friend and helper in case friendship and help were needed in the blind task to which I stood committed.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later I was tripping up-stairs in the wake of a smart young maid whom Mayor Packard had addressed as Ellen.
