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 I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
addressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
apart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
arrival
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
breakfast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
brother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
brown-bearded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
consequence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
directed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
disappointmentnounUS /ˈdisappointment/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
entertainment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
existed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
Illinois
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
interruption
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
letters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
loud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
love
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
Master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
Master's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was much younger than Old Master.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
occasions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
Old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
posted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
real
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
roughly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
send
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
sentiment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
smiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
strikingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
tender
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was much younger than Old Master.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
unexpected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One morning at breakfast there came an unexpected interruption, the arrival of Old Master's half brother.
unreality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in came the man that morning at breakfast, strikingly real, brown-bearded, tall, loud of voice, and I thought rather roughly dressed for a gentleman.
wandered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that he existed, for on occasions at least a year apart, I had posted letters addressed to him and directed to some town away off in Illinois; but a sense of his unreality was so strong with me that I often smiled to think that Old Master would send a letter to find a shadow.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some one, I don't know who, had told me that years ago he had wandered away in consequence of a disappointment in love, though to look at him now I could not believe that he had ever given entertainment to so tender a sentiment.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was much younger than Old Master.
