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Looking Backward: 2000-1887
Looking Backward: 2000-1887

Chapter XV

Cover illustration for Looking Backward: 2000-1887
Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.
I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.
The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.
At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.
Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Looking Backward: 2000-1887

Chapter XV

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.
Line 2
I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.
Line 3
The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.
Line 4
At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.
Line 5
Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Although noun US /ˈalthough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.”

Either determiner US /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading “I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.”

Except preposition US /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading “Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.”

Gentlemen noun US /gentlemen/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.”

Ourselves pronoun US /aʊərˈselvz/

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading “The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.”

Surprised noun US /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.”

All words in this reading · 109

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 A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

appeared

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

boots

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

Boston

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

clothing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

concluded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

condition

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

continuous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

corners

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

corridor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

covering

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

day

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

dining-hall

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

dinner

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

down

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

dressed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

dry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

Edith

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

entire

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

explained

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

filled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

gentlemennounUS /gentlemen/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

give

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

go

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

going

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

heavy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

hosts

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

hour

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

idea

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

impassable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

inclose

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

interested

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

ladies

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

learning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

Leete

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

lighted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

much

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

mystery

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

near

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

new

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

perfectly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

persons

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

prepared

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

protected

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

rainstorm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

roofed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

rubbers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

sidewalk

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

similarly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

space

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the corners the entire open space was similarly roofed in.

stormy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

stream

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

street

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

streets

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

surprisednounUS /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

turn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

umbrellas

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

understood

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.

walked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

waterproof

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

weather

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

well

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Edith Leete, with whom I walked, seemed much interested in learning what appeared to be entirely new to her, that in the stormy weather the streets of the Boston of my day had been impassable, except to persons protected by umbrellas, boots, and heavy clothing.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The mystery was explained when we found ourselves on the street, for a continuous waterproof covering had been let down so as to inclose the sidewalk and turn it into a well lighted and perfectly dry corridor, which was filled with a stream of ladies and gentlemen dressed for dinner.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I was much surprised when at the dinner hour the ladies appeared prepared to go out, but without either rubbers or umbrellas.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading A heavy rainstorm came up during the day, and I had concluded that the condition of the streets would be such that my hosts would have to give up the idea of going out to dinner, although the dining-hall I had understood to be quite near.