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 Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
accommodate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
actually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
Almayer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
bamboos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
beams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
blackenedadjectiveUS /ˈblækənd/
made dark by burning or soot made dark by soot, burning, or black marks
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
buildings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
composed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
crossing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
Dain
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From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
enclosing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
enclosurenounUS /ˈenclosure/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
Evidently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
group
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
high-pitched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
immensely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
inclined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
invariably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
Lakamba
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
Lakamba's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
landed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
largest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
leading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
leaving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
numerous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
palm-leaves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
piles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
plane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
planks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
precede
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
raised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
Rajah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
resided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
residence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
restingnounUS /ˈresting/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
roof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
ruler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
Sambir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
sides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
smoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
solid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
somebodypronounUS /ˈsʌmbɑːdi/
a person, without saying who
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
split
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
stockadenounUS /ˈstockade/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
structure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
surrounding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
torches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
transacted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
verandah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
visitor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dain was not long in crossing the river after leaving Almayer.
water-gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He landed at the water-gate of the stockade enclosing the group of houses which composed the residence of the Rajah of Sambir.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lakamba's own house was a strong structure of solid planks, raised on high piles, with a verandah of split bamboos surrounding it on all sides; the whole was covered in by an immensely high-pitched roof of palm-leaves, resting on beams blackened by the smoke of many torches.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Evidently somebody was expected there, for the gate was open, and men with torches were ready to precede the visitor up the inclined plane of planks leading to the largest house where Lakamba actually resided, and where all the business of state was invariably transacted.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
wives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other buildings within the enclosure served only to accommodate the numerous household and the wives of the ruler.
