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 “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
announce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
Biassou
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
BUG-JARGAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
camp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
command
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
constitute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
displaying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
execute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
executed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
execution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
expressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/
to show or communicate a feeling or idea
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
flag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
handed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Listen to me,” said he.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
highest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
lestconjunctionUS /lest/
in order that something should not happen
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
Listen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Listen to me,” said he.
lives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
mountains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
negroes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
outposts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
peaks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
prevent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
prisoner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
prisoners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
questions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
reappearance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
relation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
relative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
safety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Listen to me,” said he.
security
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
sister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
threw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading But your relative told me to return, and, if possible, to prevent your execution; and that the ten negroes should not be executed until Biassou should announce the fact by displaying a black flag on one of the highest peaks of the mountains.
valley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BUG-JARGAL was waiting for me in the valley.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
wished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I threw myself into his arms, but I had so many questions to put to him that I could not find words in which to express them.
YourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
yourspronounUS /jʊrz/
the one or ones belonging to the person spoken to
From this reading “Your wife, my sister, is in safety in the camp of the white men; I handed her over to a relation of yours who was in command of the outposts, and I wished to again constitute myself a prisoner, lest they should execute the ten prisoners whose lives were security for my reappearance.
