adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
airnounUS /er/
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
articlesnounUS /ˈɑːrtəkəlz/
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
ATTEMPTSnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
Boursault
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He walked rapidly along until he came to Rue Boursault.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He walked rapidly along until he came to Rue Boursault.
decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/
recognizable; marked
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
desirenounUS /dɪˈzaɪər/
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
disgustverbUS /dɪsˈɡʌst/
fill with distaste
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
dreamingnounUS /ˈdriːmɪŋ/
imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
Duroy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
Duroy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Duroy's room was on the fifth floor.
experiencedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspɪriənst/
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
feltverbUS /felt/
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
fifthnounUS /fɪfθ/
a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon
From this reading Duroy's room was on the fifth floor.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
floornounUS /flɔːr/
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Duroy's room was on the fifth floor.
futureadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtʃər/
yet to be or coming
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
GeorgesnounUS /ˈdʒɔːrdʒəz/
plural of “george” — Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
hesitatedverbUS /ˈhezɪteɪtɪd/
past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
homenounUS /hoʊm/
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
inclinedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪnd/
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
inhalingverbUS /ˌɪnˈheɪlɪŋ/
-ing form of “inhale” — draw deep into the lungs in by breathing
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
liveverbUS /laɪv/
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
MnounUS /em/
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
mountedadjectiveUS /ˈmaʊntəd/
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
nightnounUS /naɪt/
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
held or filled or in use
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
occurredverbUS /əˈkɜːrd/
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Duroy's room was on the fifth floor.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
orderedadjectiveUS /ˈɔːrdərd/
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
rapidlyadverbUS /ˈræpədli/
with speed
From this reading He walked rapidly along until he came to Rue Boursault.
reachedverbUS /riːtʃt/
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Duroy's room was on the fifth floor.
RuenounUS /ruː/
European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
From this reading He walked rapidly along until he came to Rue Boursault.
sensationnounUS /senˈseɪʃən/
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
seriesnounUS /ˈsɪriz/
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
softadjectiveUS /sɑːft/
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
streetnounUS /striːt/
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
strollnounUS /stroʊl/
a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
tenementnounUS /ˈtenəmənt/
a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
twentynounUS /ˈtwenti/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading He walked rapidly along until he came to Rue Boursault.
walkedverbUS /wɔːkt/
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading He walked rapidly along until he came to Rue Boursault.
WalternounUS /ˈwɔːltər/
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading FIRST ATTEMPTS When Georges Duroy reached the street, he hesitated as to what he should do.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He felt inclined to stroll along, dreaming of the future and inhaling the soft night air; but the thought of the series of articles ordered by M. Walter occurred to him, and he decided to return home at once and begin work.
workingmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tenement in which he lived was occupied by twenty families--families of workingmen--and as he mounted the staircase he experienced a sensation of disgust and a desire to live as wealthy men do.
