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 Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
absolutely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
accordingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
affair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
alive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She resolved, therefore, to tell the Director of the Police all she knew, which she would not have done had Professor Seigfried been alive.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
announced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
arrested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
begun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
breaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
caused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
Chief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
communicate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
consequent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
consideration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
constantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
death
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
difference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
Director
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She resolved, therefore, to tell the Director of the Police all she knew, which she would not have done had Professor Seigfried been alive.
doubtless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
expense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
explosionnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
a sudden violent burst of sound or force
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
fame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
foreseen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
fruitless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
futilely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
impatient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
imprisoned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
inconvenience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
innocent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
inquiry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
investigation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
Jennie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
messenger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
official
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
persons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
Police
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
posterity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
preferred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
PrincessnounUS /ˈprɪn.ses/
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
Professor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
promised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
public
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
reiterated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
relate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
resolved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She resolved, therefore, to tell the Director of the Police all she knew, which she would not have done had Professor Seigfried been alive.
result
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
search
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
Seigfried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accordingly sent a messenger for the great official, and just as she had begun to relate to the impatient Princess what had happened, he was announced.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She resolved, therefore, to tell the Director of the Police all she knew, which she would not have done had Professor Seigfried been alive.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
Then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading She resolved, therefore, to tell the Director of the Police all she knew, which she would not have done had Professor Seigfried been alive.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
transmission
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She resolved, therefore, to tell the Director of the Police all she knew, which she would not have done had Professor Seigfried been alive.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Then there was this consideration: if the Chief of Police was not told how the explosion had been caused, his fruitless search would go futilely on, and, doubtless, in the course of police inquiry, many innocent persons would be arrested, put to inconvenience and expense, and there was even a chance that one or more, who had absolutely nothing to do with the affair, might be imprisoned for life.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
wonderednounUS /wondered/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
worked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Professor Seigfried could have foreseen his own sudden death, would he not, she asked herself, have preferred her to make public all she knew of him? for had he not constantly reiterated that fame, and the consequent transmission of his name to posterity, was what he worked for?
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Jennie had promised Professor Seigfried not to communicate with the Director of Police, and she now wondered whether it would be breaking her word, or not, if she let that official know the result of her investigation, when it would make no difference, one way or the other, to the Professor.
