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 Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
ABIGAIL
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From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
Absorbed
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From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
accommodate
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From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
activity
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From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
also
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From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
armchair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
AUNT
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From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
battered
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From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
benches
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From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
calculated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
calculations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
colliding
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From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
comfortably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
complain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
completenounUS /complete/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
consideration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
demonstrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
desks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
Dorothy
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From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
entrances
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From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
Equipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
EvennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
exits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
extra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
failed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
fascinating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
forenoon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
furniture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
girls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
hungry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
MISLAID
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
nicety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
notice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
overturning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
passing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
performers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
platform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
program
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
rapidly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
satisfaction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
scene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
schoolhouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
seated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
size
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
strenuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
tape-measures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
term
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The question of extra benches had also come up for consideration, and the girls had demonstrated to their complete satisfaction that two people of ordinary size could be seated comfortably at each desk.
varied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUNT ABIGAIL IS MISLAID The little country schoolhouse had been the scene of varied activity that morning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Absorbed in these fascinating calculations, they had failed to notice how rapidly the time was passing, till Dorothy began to complain of being hungry.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Equipped with tape-measures the girls had calculated to a nicety just how much furniture the platform could accommodate, and still give the performers room to make their entrances and exits without colliding with the armchair or overturning the small table.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Even in term time, when the battered desks were occupied, it is a question whether a forenoon's program would have been more strenuous.
