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 way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
Abbe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
advice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
alternate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
angle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
approach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
attended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
Bavoil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
bestow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
blackness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
bottom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
cellar-stair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
chimney
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
circle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
circuit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
circular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
Communion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
cryptnounUS /krɪpt/
An underground room or vault beneath an ancient building, often used for storage or burials.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
darkening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
dawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
direction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
diverged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
Durtal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
enjoined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
experiment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
fairly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
fan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
floating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
fogged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
Gevresin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
herenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
housekeeper's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
ItsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
joining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
lighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
Madame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
Mass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
nave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
notion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
opaque
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
outer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
outline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
passages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
path
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
plan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
radiated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
reached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
represented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
ruddy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
safely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
shade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
smoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
spokes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
sputtering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
sticks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
Table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
threw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
tyre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
Virgin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
visible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
visitors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
walls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
welcome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame Bavoil was right; to understand the welcome the Virgin could bestow on Her visitors, the early Mass in the crypt must be attended; above all, the Communion should be received.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Durtal made the experiment; one day when the Abbe Gevresin enjoined on him to approach the Table, he followed the housekeeper's advice and went to the crypt at early dawn.
whenceadverbUS /wens/
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
wick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the circular path in which he found himself passages diverged like the sticks of a fan, and at the end little fogged glass windows were visible, looking almost bright in the opaque blackness of the walls.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The way down was by a cellar-stair lighted by a small lamp with a sputtering wick darkening the chimney with smoke; having safely reached the bottom, he turned to the left in the darkness; here and there, at an angle, a floating wick threw a ruddy light on the circuit which he made in alternate light and shade, till at last he had some notion of the general outline of the crypt.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Its plan would be fairly represented by the nave of a wheel whence the spokes radiated in every direction, joining the outer circle or tyre.
