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 "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At the same time you are treating me like a dog.
armed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
comfortably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
competing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
difference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
dog
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time you are treating me like a dog.
double-barrels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
dreamnounUS /driːm/
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
empty-handed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
foolnounUS /fool/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
forlorn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
hope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time you are treating me like a dog.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
muzzles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
offer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
peace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
press
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At the same time you are treating me like a dog.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I am not a fool," he said, speaking at last.
tackle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
teeth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
ThereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At the same time you are treating me like a dog.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
treating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time you are treating me like a dog.
triggers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
violence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading "I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me!
