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 Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
absorbing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
aunts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
autumn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Examinations were the great autumn excitement.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
bodies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
brows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
Cambridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
competition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
doubtful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
effect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
endowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
Examinations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Examinations were the great autumn excitement.
excitement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Examinations were the great autumn excitement.
exercise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
forms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
Gillian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
girls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Examinations were the great autumn excitement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
High
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
higher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
insist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
languages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
looks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
minds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
Miss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
Mohun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
patronise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
permit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
preparation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
prize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
prizes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
proficient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
puckered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
School
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
seven-o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
startnounUS /start/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
tea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Examinations were the great autumn excitement.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
tongues
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading As the preparation became more absorbing, brows were puckered and looks were anxious, and the aunts were doubtful as to the effect upon the girls’ minds or bodies.
Valetta's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Gillian was going up for the higher Cambridge, and Valetta’s form was under preparation for competition for a prize in languages.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Examinations were the great autumn excitement.
White
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
withdraw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was too late, however, to withdraw them, and Miss Mohun could only insist on air and exercise, and permit no work after the seven-o’clock tea.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great Mr. White, on being asked to patronise the High School at its first start, four years ago, had endowed it with prizes for each of the four forms for the most proficient in two tongues.
