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 The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
carriages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
chagrin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
depart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
departing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
desertionnounUS /ˈdesertion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
Doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Do you think it wise to stay on here?
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
evident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
exception
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
excuse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
feel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
generally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
gentle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
gradually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
Happily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
herenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Do you think it wise to stay on here?
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
informed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Do you think it wise to stay on here?
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
leave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
lessened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
noise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
orders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
pluck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
police
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
protest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
questions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
remain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
requested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
Rita
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
stay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Do you think it wise to stay on here?
staying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
supposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Do you think it wise to stay on here?
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The time had now come to take a stand and I informed my uncle, to his evident chagrin, that I should not leave as long as any excuse could be found for staying.
ventured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
wear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He said nothing at the time, but as the noise of departing carriages gradually lessened and the great hall and drawing-rooms began to wear a look of desertion he at last ventured on this gentle protest:
wise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Do you think it wise to stay on here?
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Happily just then the word was passed about that the police had given orders that, with the exception of such as had been requested to remain to answer questions, the guests generally should feel themselves at liberty to depart.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You have more pluck, Rita, than I supposed.
