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 By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
apprenticeship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
AREauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading MONSEIGNEUR, WE ARE BRETONS.
arithmetical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
badly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
Bourguignon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
BRETONS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MONSEIGNEUR, WE ARE BRETONS.
ByprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
carefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
compensation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
composed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
considered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
customer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
directlynounUS /ˈdirectly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
disgusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
entered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
Gaston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
ground-floor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
inspect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
introduced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
Jonquiere's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
La
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
library
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
measure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
MONSEIGNEUR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MONSEIGNEUR, WE ARE BRETONS.
morning's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
obscene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
pint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
predecessor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
sets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
Tapin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
theatrical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
toilet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
wastenounUS /weɪst/
an empty, uncultivated area of land
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
WEpronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading MONSEIGNEUR, WE ARE BRETONS.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When his toilet was finished, Gaston began to inspect La Jonquiere's library, and found it composed of three sets of books: theatrical books, obscene books, and arithmetical books.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Gaston remained in the room on the ground-floor, and dressed himself carefully, as we have said, while Tapin continued his apprenticeship.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading While he was thus engaged a man entered, introduced by Tapin, who went out directly, and left him alone with Gaston.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading By the evening he knew how to measure a pint as well as his predecessor, and even better; for he thought that in the compensation which would be given to Bourguignon, waste would be considered, and that therefore the less waste the better; so the morning's customer on her return got badly served, and went off disgusted.
