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 They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HERON DYKE AND ITS INMATES.
antiquity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
cleared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
Denisons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
Denzons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
descentnounUS /dɪˈsent/
An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
direct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
DYKE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HERON DYKE AND ITS INMATES.
estate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
families
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
formerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
Henry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
HERON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HERON DYKE AND ITS INMATES.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
INMATES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HERON DYKE AND ITS INMATES.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
ITSdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading HERON DYKE AND ITS INMATES.
lapse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
line
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
member
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
mists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
moot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
Norfolk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
oldest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
pedigree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
points
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
reign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
satisfactorily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
settled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
situated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
spell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
squires
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The Denisons had never been more than plain country squires.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
ThirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
trace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could trace back their descent in a direct line as far as the reign of Henry the Third, but beyond that their pedigree was lost in the mists of antiquity.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Denisons--or Denzons, as they used formerly to spell their name--were one of the oldest families in that part of Norfolk in which Heron Dyke was situated.
WhopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Who was the first member of the family that settled at Heron Dyke, and how he came by the estate, were moot points which it was hardly likely would ever be satisfactorily cleared up after such a lapse of time.
