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 ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
absorbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
accept
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
aim
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
argued
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
aspect
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
bearing
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From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
close
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
degradation
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
despair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
devastating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
disturbing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
down
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From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
drink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
due
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From this reading “You say you won’t touch the money that is due to you.”
eat
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From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
falling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
friendless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
gradually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
grave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
homeless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
idea
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From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
impalpable
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
inexplicablenounUS /inexplicable/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
intend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
irritation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “You say you won’t touch the money that is due to you.”
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
manner
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From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
material
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
money
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You say you won’t touch the money that is due to you.”
mostly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
MydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
difficult to explain or understand
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
naturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
obstacle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
pleaded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
possessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
quieted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
rain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
reasonably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
ruin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
saving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
say
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From this reading “You say you won’t touch the money that is due to you.”
saying
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From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
sense
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
set
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From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
shelter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
sleep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
smooth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/
not affected by alcohol
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
sole
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From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
spirit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
striving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
supposenounUS /ˈsuppose/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
swiftly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
taciturn
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From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
talked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
touch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You say you won’t touch the money that is due to you.”
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His manner was very sober and set; his bearing was that of a naturally taciturn man possessed by an idea.
violence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading ‘He came in at last; but I believe it was mostly the rain that did it; it was falling just then with a devastating violence which quieted down gradually while we talked.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You say you won’t touch the money that is due to you.”
wounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading ‘“I suppose you intend to eat and drink and to sleep under shelter in the usual way,” I remember saying with irritation.
youthful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My talk was of the material aspect of his position; it had the sole aim of saving him from the degradation, ruin, and despair that out there close so swiftly upon a friendless, homeless man; I pleaded with him to accept my help; I argued reasonably: and every time I looked up at that absorbed smooth face, so grave and youthful, I had a disturbing sense of being no help but rather an obstacle to some mysterious, inexplicable, impalpable striving of his wounded spirit.
