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 instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
account
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
acquainted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
alive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
back-spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
blade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
chisel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
describing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
drawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
equal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
examined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
fingers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
fitness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
Haft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
inches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
instrument
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
knife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
lengthnounUS /leŋθ/
a period of time or extent
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
measured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
merits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
nearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
oak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
openings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
performances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
praise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
precautionsplural nounUS /prɪˈkɔʃənz/
actions taken to prevent danger
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
purpose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
qualities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
shuttings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
wanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
Well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
wonder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
wonderfulnounUS /ˈwonderful/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
