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 It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
beautiful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
Ben
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
career
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
completely
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From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
days
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From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
decided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
definite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
father's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
feelingnounUS /ˈfeeling/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
flush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
hoped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
impossible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
intention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
love
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
MARY'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MARY’S OPINION.
Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
Millicent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
OPINION
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MARY’S OPINION.
proof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
Renton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
sake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
separating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
shame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
simply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
slightest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
sole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
Tracy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
useless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was on a beautiful afternoon, in one of the last days of May, that Ben Renton went back to his father’s house.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He felt that now, though he had not seen it at the time, and, feeling it, asked himself, with a flush of shame, how he could have ever hoped that she could love him--a man whose sole proof of his love was that he made himself useless for her sake!
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To go back now, when a definite beginning had been made in his career, and there was something decided upon--something to tell them of--was natural; but to have gone when his whole heart was full of Millicent Tracy, and no object beyond seeing her occupied his thoughts, would have been simply impossible.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading When he left it, he had not the slightest intention of separating himself so completely from his family; and yet, when he thought of it, he did not see what else he could have done.
