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 conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
accustomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
alike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
aloof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
animation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
approached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
assembled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
attended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
beast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
beer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
beer-drinkers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
beings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
bet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
Bob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
broke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
butcher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
chiefly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
conversation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
cousin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
customers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
depending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
differences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
disposednounUS /ˈdisposed/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
doubtful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
drank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
draughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
druv
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
embarrassing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
eyelids
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
finenounUS /fine/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
folks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
funereal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
fur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
fustian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
important
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
intermittent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
jackets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
jolly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
landlord
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
liquor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
mouths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
nearest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
neednounUS /need/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
neutral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
pipes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
pitch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
puffed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
puffs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
Rainbow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
rashly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
red-haired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
repliednounUS /replied/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
rubbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
sadness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
severity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
Silas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
slow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
smiling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The butcher, a jolly, smiling, red-haired man, was not disposed to answer rashly.
smock-frocks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
Snell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
Some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
spat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
spirits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
staring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
tone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
ud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The conversation, which was at a high pitch of animation when Silas approached the door of the Rainbow, had, as usual, been slow and intermittent when the company first assembled.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
winked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The pipes began to be puffed in a silence which had an air of severity; the more important customers, who drank spirits and sat nearest the fire, staring at each other as if a bet were depending on the first man who winked; while the beer-drinkers, chiefly men in fustian jackets and smock-frocks, kept their eyelids down and rubbed their hands across their mouths, as if their draughts of beer were a funereal duty attended with embarrassing sadness.
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
wrong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He gave a few puffs before he spat and replied, “And they wouldn’t be fur wrong, John.”
yesterday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading At last Mr. Snell, the landlord, a man of a neutral disposition, accustomed to stand aloof from human differences as those of beings who were all alike in need of liquor, broke silence, by saying in a doubtful tone to his cousin the butcher— “Some folks ’ud say that was a fine beast you druv in yesterday, Bob?”
