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Alone in London
Alone in London

Chapter VII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/15 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE PRINCE OF LIFE.
In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.
When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.
On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.
He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Alone in London

Chapter VII

Reading 1/15 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE PRINCE OF LIFE.
Line 2
In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.
Line 3
When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.
Line 4
On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.
Line 5
He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

LIFE noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE PRINCE OF LIFE.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Memory noun US /ˈmem.ər.i/

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading “When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.”

Partly noun US /partly/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.”

All words in this reading · 102

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 In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

absorbed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

altogether

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

any

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

apt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

away

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

begun

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

concerned

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

consciousness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

counter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

customer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

devices

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

Dolly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

failing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

fairly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

foreseen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

forget

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

forgetfulness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

fretting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

getting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

grand-daughter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

grew

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

hand

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

house

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

how

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

hungry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

impossible

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

India

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

kinds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

knocking

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

LIFEnounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE PRINCE OF LIFE.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

looking

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

loud

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

many

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

meal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

new

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

news

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PRINCE OF LIFE.

Oliver

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

papers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

partly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

passing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

playing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

PRINCE

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE PRINCE OF LIFE.

profoundly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

reached

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

reading

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

ready

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

recalled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

shop

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

shouting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

sitting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

slipped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

strengthening

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

Susan

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE PRINCE OF LIFE.

things

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

tried

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

vain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He tried all kinds of devices for strengthening his failing memory; but in vain.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading In the new life which had now fairly begun for Oliver, it was partly as he had foreseen; he was apt to forget many things, and he had a fretting consciousness of this forgetfulness.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading When he was in the house playing with Dolly, or reading to her, the shop altogether slipped away from his memory, and he was only recalled to it by the loud knocking or shouting of some customer in it.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading On the other hand, when he was sitting behind the counter looking for news from India in the papers, news in which he was already profoundly concerned, though it was impossible that Susan could yet have reached it, he grew so absorbed, that he did not know how the time was passing by, and both he and his little grand-daughter were hungry before he had thought of getting ready any meal.