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 This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
ADOPTS
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From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
advent
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From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
appear
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From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
arrangements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
awaiting
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From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
changed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
charge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
closeted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
considerably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
death
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
direct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Elmhurst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
fail
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From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
former's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
function
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
improvement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
Indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
Lawyer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
meal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
Merrick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
Miss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
mistress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
patiently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
PATSY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
real
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
regime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
routine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
shed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
tears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
UNCLE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
Watson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
