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 Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
accordance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
Annie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
Annie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
answerednounUS /ˈanswered/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
apt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
bad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
baleful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
barn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
breakfast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
brow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
butcher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
causes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
chicken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
cloud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
common
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
cotch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
Couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
develops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
disappearednounUS /ˈdisappeared/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
distracts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
ensuing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
expression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
fill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
follow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
goes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
Gregory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
hen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
irritates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
Jeff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
killed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
moods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
neednounUS /need/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
neglected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
nothin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
PASSION
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
patient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
PENITENCE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
periods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
perverseness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
removed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
reprimand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
sharp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
spell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
stolidly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
supply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
surprisednounUS /surprised/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
UnlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Unless the causes are removed, the bad moods of one day are apt to follow us into the next.
walking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading PASSION AND PENITENCE The cloud on her brow had not disappeared on the ensuing morning when she came down to breakfast.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading "Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
wrong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
