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 GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He found her, as he expected, intent on a book.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
beating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He found her, as he expected, intent on a book.
bored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
bring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
darkly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
Day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
desire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/
having firmly decided to do something
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
driven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
entered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He found her, as he expected, intent on a book.
explicit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
expression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
fibre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He found her, as he expected, intent on a book.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
frowned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
genuine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
GERVASE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
getting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
goal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He found her, as he expected, intent on a book.
HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
indifference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
intent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He found her, as he expected, intent on a book.
laudable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
Madeline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
Madeline's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
matters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
MINDnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
nearer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
nettled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
New
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
pretended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase felt nettled and frowned darkly, but he had made up his mind not to be driven from his purpose by any indifference--pretended or genuine--on Madeline's part.
pulsing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
purpose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
reading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
smiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
SPEAKS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
sweetly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
understood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
wearily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading She looked up with a bored expression when he entered, smiled rather wearily, but very sweetly, and then went on with her reading.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For a whole week he had been beating the air and getting no nearer the goal of his desire; the time had now come when he would have an explicit answer.
Year's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERVASE SPEAKS HIS MIND On New Year's Day Gervase felt determined, if possible, to bring matters to a head, and with this laudable purpose pulsing through every fibre of his body he made his way to the drawing-room where, he understood from his mother, Madeline was sitting alone.
