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 THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
arrivals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
beadle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
bow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
bowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
BYprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
crowd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
detach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
dispersed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
doubtful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
dwindled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
fellows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
glancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
group
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
half-hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
height
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
lowest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
middle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
onlookers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
Paget
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
promptly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
quietly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
raise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
reception
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
rejoinednounUS /ˈrejoined/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
reporters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
ruefuladjectiveUS /ˈruːfəl/
showing regret or mild sorrow
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
sentence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
shrugs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
SIGNAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
Sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
slightly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
smile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
smiles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
spare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.
stepnounUS /step/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
stragglers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
tackle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
taller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.
top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
upright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.
walked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.
whistlenounUS /ˈwhistle/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.
