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 As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
addednounUS /added/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
agility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
ahead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DAVID AND GOLIATH.
announced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
Bailiff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
bell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
bringing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
chevalier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
DAVID
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVID AND GOLIATH.
dint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
fingers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
flight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
gallantry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
GOLIATH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVID AND GOLIATH.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
guest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
Haramont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
host
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
imposing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
junction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
leading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
lengthnounUS /leŋθ/
a period of time or extent
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
Longpré
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
managed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
mounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
neared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
preux
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
pull
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
roads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
six
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
standingnounUS /ˈstanding/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
stoppednounUS /stopped/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
tip-toe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
tips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
triumphal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
unmistakeably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It should be added, that having once got hold of it, he gave it a pull which unmistakeably announced the return of the master.
village
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
walking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was, in short, no ordinary return, but a triumphal one, for the Bailiff was bringing home a guest.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking the whole length of the village, they stopped before an imposing looking house at the junction of the roads leading to Longpré and Haramont.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading As they neared the house--the little host, with all the gallantry of a “preux chevalier” went on ahead, mounted the flight of five or six steps with an agility which one could not have expected, and, by dint of standing on tip-toe, managed to reach the bell with the tips of his fingers.
