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 growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
acquaintance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
advent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
affinity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
audacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
bolder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
centuries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
changes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
cheap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
classes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
condition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
decay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
dominated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
effrontery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
firm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
firmly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
fixed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
graspnounUS /ɡræsp/
a firm hold in a specific situation in this story
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
grooves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
growth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
height
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
higher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
incredibly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
institutions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
lower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
monstrous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
moved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
personages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
pertinent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
play
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
political
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
press
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
raising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
regarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
reintroduced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
renew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
roots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
ruled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
scarcely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
seeds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
seventeen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
show
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
signs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
slender
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
slow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
soil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
sown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
stoutly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
stronger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
timid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
touch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
weaknessnounUS /ˈwiːknəs/
a lack of physical strength
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
winding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.