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 CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
alien
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From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
all
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From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
articles
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From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
aside
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From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
attained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
attaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
begun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
brain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
certainly
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From this reading He had certainly received every encouragement.
chapters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
CICELY'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
club
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
connected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
Courier
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From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
creation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
daily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
development
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
Douglas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
encouragement
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From this reading He had certainly received every encouragement.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He had certainly received every encouragement.
excitement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
gradually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
immensely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
inconsiderable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
insistedverbUS /ɪnˈsɪstɪd/
demanded something firmly
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
literary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
novel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
offer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
opening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
outsidenounUS /ˈoutside/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
plot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
publishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
Rawlinson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had certainly received every encouragement.
recent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
relievednounUS /ˈrelieved/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
resolutely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
SECRETnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
simmering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
steadily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
task
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
thrusting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
unique
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
week's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Besides his daily articles for the Courier, which in themselves were no inconsiderable task, he had begun at last the novel, the plot of which had for long been simmering in his brain.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Rawlinson, who had insisted upon seeing the opening chapters, had at once made him an offer for the story, and the publishing house with which he was connected, although of only recent development, had already made a name and attained a unique position.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CICELY'S SECRET A hard week's work left Douglas little time for outside thoughts.
worked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave up the club, and worked steadily every night at his rooms, resolutely thrusting aside all alien thoughts, and immensely relieved to find the excitement of literary creation gradually attaining its old hold upon him.
