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 JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
avowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
BANSEMER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
Bansemer's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
building
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
circles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
City
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
closed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
construed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
courted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
debase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
dingy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
disregarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
elevates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
elevator
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
evidence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
finally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
floor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
forth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
half-obliterated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
halls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/
truthful and trustworthy
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
inside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
inviting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
JAMES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
kind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
lamentably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
lawyer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
leaving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
lower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
methods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
misgiving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
narrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
New
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
Once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
openly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
panel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
peered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
practising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
prosperity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
quick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
section
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
sign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
statutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
topmost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His office, on the topmost floor of a dingy building in the lower section of the city, was not inviting.
uncertainty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
virtues
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
whispered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
won
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once inside the door of his office--and a heavy spring always closed it behind one--there was quick evidence that the lawyer lamentably disregarded the virtues of prosperity, no matter how they had been courted and won.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was whispered in certain circles and openly avowed in others that Bansemer's business was not the kind which elevates the law; in plain words, his methods were construed to debase the good and honest statutes of the land.
wound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On leaving the elevator, one wound about through narrow halls and finally peered, with more or less uncertainty and misgiving, at the half-obliterated sign which said that James Bansemer held forth on the other side of the glass panel.
York
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAMES BANSEMER In the City of New York there was practising, at that time, a lawyer by the name of Bansemer.
