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 It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
advantage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PLATO AND VIRGIL.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
arm-chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
autumn
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From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
bay-window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This study had not been properly cleaned for years.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
Betty
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From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
calling
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From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
carpet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
change
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
cleaned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This study had not been properly cleaned for years.
cleaning
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From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
curtains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
Dale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
discover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
dull
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
dusty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
egged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
folds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
fond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
leather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
leathern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
metamorphosisnounUS /ˌmet.əˈmɔːr.fə.sɪs/
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
moreen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
NeitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This study had not been properly cleaned for years.
nurse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
papers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
piled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
PLATO
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PLATO AND VIRGIL.
properly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This study had not been properly cleaned for years.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
space
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
study
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
tattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This study had not been properly cleaned for years.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dale returned home to find metamorphosis; for Betty and John, egged on by nurse, had taken advantage of his day from home to turn out the study.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
VIRGIL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PLATO AND VIRGIL.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It had never had what servants are fond of calling a spring cleaning.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
worn-out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
write
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither spring nor autumn found any change for the better in that tattered, dusty, and worn-out carpet; in those old moreen curtains which hung in heavy, dull folds round the bay-window; in the leathern arm-chair, with very little leather left about it; in the desk, which was so piled with books and papers that it was difficult even to discover a clear space on which to write.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This study had not been properly cleaned for years.
