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 JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
asbestos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
assembled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
audience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
authorities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
blaze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
community
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
curtain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
curtains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
deal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
disconcerting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
ease
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
emergency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
emptied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
encouragingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
ESCAPE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
exit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
house-lights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
JILL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
Leicester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
MoreoveradverbUS /mɔːˈroʊvər/
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
nearest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
notices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
occurred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
old-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
opening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
paltering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
performance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
play
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
printednounUS /printed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
quickest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
reassuring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
reiterate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
switchboard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
terror
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
theatre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
trouble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
UNKNOWN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
walk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
welfare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
witness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
YetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
