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The Raven
The Raven

Chapter I

Cover illustration for The Raven
Context Illustration Reading 1/8 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Raven

Chapter I

Reading 1/8 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
Line 2
“’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”
Line 3
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Line 4
Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.
Line 5
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.””

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.”

Forgotten adjective US /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.”

Maiden noun, literary US /ˈmeɪdən/

a young woman who is not married

From this reading “Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.”

Muttered verb US /ˈmʌtərd/

spoke in a low voice that was difficult to hear

From this reading ““’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.””

Name noun US /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.”

Nameless adjective US /ˈneɪm.ləs/

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading “Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.””

Nodded noun US /nodded/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading ““’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.””

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

Radiant adjective US /ˈreɪdiənt/

shining brightly

From this reading “Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.”

Remember verb US /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading “Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.””

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.””

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.”

All words in this reading · 110

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 Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

Ah

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

angels

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

beating

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

bleak

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

borrow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

chamber

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

curious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

curtain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

December

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

distinctly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

door

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

dreary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

dying

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

Eagerly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

ember

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

entrance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

entreating

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

evermore

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

fantastic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

felt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

filled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

floor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

gently

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

ghost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

heart

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

late

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

Lenore

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

lore

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

lost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

maidennoun, literaryUS /ˈmeɪdən/

a young woman who is not married

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

many

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

midnight

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

more

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

morrow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

mutteredverbUS /ˈmʌtərd/

spoke in a low voice that was difficult to hear

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

namenounUS /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

NamelessadjectiveUS /ˈneɪm.ləs/

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

napping

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

nearly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

noddednounUS /nodded/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

Once

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

Only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

OverprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

pondered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

purple

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

quaint

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From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

radiantadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdiənt/

shining brightly

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

rapping

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

rare

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

repeating

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From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

rustling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

sad

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

separate

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

silken

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

sorrow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

sought

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

surcease

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

tapping

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

terrors

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

Thrilled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

Tis

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

uncertain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

vainly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

visiter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.”

volume

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

weak

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

weary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

wished

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is and nothing more.”

wrought

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.