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 Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
accidental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
accurate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
AnothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading GATHERING CLOUDS Another week passed.
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
anyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/
any person at all
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
apt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
armor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
balancenounUS /ˈbalance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
blunder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
bookkeeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
buoyantadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪənt/
able to float or rise easily in water
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
burned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
cashier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
CLOUDS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GATHERING CLOUDS Another week passed.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
conduct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
constantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
consumed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
continue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
crime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
department
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
Dick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
enormous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
error
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
fault
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
gas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
GATHERING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GATHERING CLOUDS Another week passed.
Goodwyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
hug
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
impossible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
intelligent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
lengthnounUS /leŋθ/
a period of time or extent
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
magnified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
midnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
mistake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
movements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading GATHERING CLOUDS Another week passed.
perfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
quick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
recovered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
rectified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
respectful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
slip
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
spirits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
tabs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
trial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
weak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GATHERING CLOUDS Another week passed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in a while--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when they were taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; but what was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into an enormous blunder in another.
worry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since it was impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to his heart for any great length of time.
Wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfect right along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of his movements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor.
