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 A CRUEL SLUR.
admired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
Aha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
armchair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
bindings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
bow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
breast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
bronzes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
calm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
checked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
conducted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
contents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
Count
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
CRUELadjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
causing pain or showing no kindness
From this reading A CRUEL SLUR.
curtains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
dignified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
Florestan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
greasy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
inventory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
library
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
low
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
luxurious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
magnificent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
mantelpiece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
Mascarin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
matters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
mental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
mutteredverbUS /ˈmʌtərd/
spoke in a low voice that was difficult to hear
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
pale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
pressing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tantaine made a low bow, pressing his greasy hat against his breast.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
resting-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
settled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
SLUR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CRUEL SLUR.
springs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
sumptuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
Tantaine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
texture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tried the texture of the curtains, looked at the handsome bindings of the books, and admired the magnificent bronzes on the mantelpiece.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
visit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading “Aha,” muttered he, as he tried the springs of a luxurious armchair, “everything is of the best, and when matters are settled, I half think that I should like a resting-place just like this----” He checked himself, for the door opened, and the Count made his appearance, calm and dignified, but very pale.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Florestan had conducted Tantaine to the sumptuous library, in which the Count had received Mascarin’s visit; and, to pass away the time, the old man took a mental inventory of the contents of the room.
