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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
absence
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From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
air
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From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
allow
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From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
allowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
ascertained
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From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
babies
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From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
Bags
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From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
belonging
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From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
bets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
box
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
burrowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
cardboard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
caterpillar
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From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
chapel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
class-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
confined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
confinement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
cramped
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From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
David
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
David's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
developed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
dimensions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
eggs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
escape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
exercise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
female
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
Ferrers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
fully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
happen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
healthy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
holes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
hoped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
horns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
Indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
lady's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
lingered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
locker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
Major
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
male
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
minute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
oblong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
owner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
penetrate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
pierced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
pocket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
poured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
quantities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
saloon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
school-hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
sides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
slippery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
stag-beetles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
steep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
sunshine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
testified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But now, since after chapel David would not come back to the class-room, it was necessary to put them in their travelling-carriage, which was pierced with holes, so that such air as there might happen to be in David’s pocket should penetrate to them.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
travelling-carriage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
unoccupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
washing-basin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
wayward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were male and female, as the lady’s absence of long horns testified, and it was hoped that even in confinement she might some day be confined.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The box in question was a small cardboard oblong, of cramped dimensions; but really it was no more than their saloon travelling-carriage, for they lived in David’s washing-basin at night, since it had been ascertained that the sides of it were too steep and slippery to allow their escape, and at other times had the run of his desk in school-hours, and were allowed quantities of healthy exercise when their owner was unoccupied and could look after their wayward steps.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The others poured out into the sunshine, but David lingered behind with Bags and Ferrers Major, and began burrowing in his locker to find the box belonging to his two stag-beetles.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Indeed, there were several bets on, as to which form the babies would take—whether they would be eggs or some sort of caterpillar, or minute but fully developed stag-beetles.
