Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading IN WHICH ERNEST GETS AN IDEA.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
Betsey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
broke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
ceased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
cottage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
curse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
distinguish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
endowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
ERNEST
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH ERNEST GETS AN IDEA.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
evidently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
features
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
GETS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH ERNEST GETS AN IDEA.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
heaviness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
hoping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
IDEA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH ERNEST GETS AN IDEA.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
imperative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH ERNEST GETS AN IDEA.
instant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
intermission
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
Jerry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
knocking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
messenger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
obtainverbUS /əbˈteɪn/
to get something, especially through effort
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
patience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
portion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
pounding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
promptly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
rear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
sleepers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
slept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
summonsnounUS /ˈsʌmənz/
an official order to appear or respond
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
supposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
surenounUS /sure/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
surprisednounUS /surprised/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
swear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
virtuenounUS /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
visitor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH ERNEST GETS AN IDEA.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I got out of bed, and looked out at the window, hoping to obtain a sight of the visitor; but the night was too dark for me to distinguish his form or features.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The visitor was evidently endowed with only a small portion of the necessary virtue of patience, for when he ceased pounding for an instant, it was only to curse and swear at the heaviness of the sleepers within.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading THE knocking at the door of the cottage was continued almost without intermission.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I was sure that old Jerry and Betsey, who slept in the rear of the house, would not hear the summons, even if the imperative messenger broke the door down; but I was rather surprised that my uncle, who, I always supposed, slept with one eye open, if he ever slept at all, did not answer the call more promptly.
