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 Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
adventure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
audience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
bank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
Beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
bent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
bill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
birds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
blackbird
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
bough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
branch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
branches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
chorusnounUS /ˈkɔrəs/
a group singing together
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
content
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
down-stream
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
dreamy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
drink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
easefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
excursion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
fan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
flashing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
foliage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
forth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
heavens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
idly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
kingfisher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
lazily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
listening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
listlessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
lit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
loops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
lying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
MANNER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
moored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
night's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
OLD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
Pangbourne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
pour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
rapture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
song
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
spring-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
spy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
staring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
STORY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
Streatley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
stretched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
suggested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
Sunday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
TELLS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
Thames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
tireless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
Tom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
TRADITIONAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TELLS AN OLD STORY IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER.
trellis-work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
twinkle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
unconscious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
undergrowth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
upward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, the afternoon of that same Sunday found me on the left bank of the Thames between Streatley and Pangbourne; found me, with my boat moored idly by, stretched on my back amid the undergrowth, and easefully staring upward through a trellis-work of branches into the heavens.
vaguely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
watching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
waved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading When Tom asked me where I was going, I had suggested an excursion up the river; though, to tell the truth, this answer had come with the question.
wondering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been lying there a full hour wondering vaguely of my last night's adventure, listening to the spring-time chorus of the birds, lazily and listlessly watching a bough that bent and waved its fan of foliage across my face, or the twinkle of the tireless kingfisher flashing down-stream in loops of light, when a blackbird lit on a branch hard by my left hand, and, all unconscious of an audience, began to pour forth his rapture to the day.
yellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying there I could spy his black body and yellow bill, and drink in his song with dreamy content.
