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 In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
adage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
adhered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
affairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
agreed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
alternative
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From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
announced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
attractions
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From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
Aunt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Freddy welcomed the suggestion of the portrait with enthusiasm.
Barty
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From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
birth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
capacity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
care
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
careing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
Coppinger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
Coppinger's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
Court
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
damp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
effort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
enthusiasm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Freddy welcomed the suggestion of the portrait with enthusiasm.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
expired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
flamenounUS /fleɪm/
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
forth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
France
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
Freddy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Freddy welcomed the suggestion of the portrait with enthusiasm.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
idle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
illusions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
Lawrence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
Mangan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
match
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
offer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
peace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
peaceful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
portrait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
reigning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
relative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
represented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
resolution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
resolve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
suggestion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Freddy welcomed the suggestion of the portrait with enthusiasm.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
undertakingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/
a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The resolution to return to France, announced, as has been set forth, by Mr. St. Lawrence Coppinger, was not adhered to.
welcomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Freddy welcomed the suggestion of the portrait with enthusiasm.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
well-worn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She agreed entirely with the well-worn adage relative to idle hands, and had no illusions as to her own capacity to offer alternative attractions.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the first place, there was Barty Mangan and the various affairs that he represented; in the second place, there was the portrait; in the third place--which might as well, if not better, have come first--the resolve had expired, like the flame of a damp match, in the effort that gave it birth.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Aunt Freddy welcomed the suggestion of the portrait with enthusiasm.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had had four years of peace, "careing" Coppinger's Court for the reigning Coppinger; to "care" the reigning Coppinger himself, was, she felt, a far less peaceful undertaking.
