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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
absence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
arrayed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
boots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
cab
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
changes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
clerk's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
clothes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
contempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
cravatnounUS /krəˈvæt/
A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
dealer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
disguisenounUS /dɪsˈɡaɪz/
A means of altering one's appearance to conceal one's identity.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
elegant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
employer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
extent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
falling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
Fortunat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
gain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
gaudy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
grease
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
grin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
hastily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
inform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
knees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
knotted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
M
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
neckerchief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
overcoat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
pocketed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
profited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
rightfully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
satin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
satisfied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
shape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
shiny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
silk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
sous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
threw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
throatnounUS /θroʊt/
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
treated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
trouble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
wear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were his--rightfully his--since he had taken the trouble to gain them.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
widest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then hastily returned to the office to inform his employer that the cab was waiting at the door, and found himself face to face with a sight which made him open his eyes to their widest extent.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman at once threw him five sous, which he pocketed with a satisfied grin.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading He had arrayed himself in a long overcoat, shiny with grease and wear, and falling below his knees; in place of his elegant satin cravat he had knotted a gaudy silk neckerchief about his throat; his boots were worn, and out of shape; and his hat would have been treated with contempt even by a dealer in old clothes.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading M. Fortunat had profited by his clerk’s absence, not to disguise himself--that would be saying too much--but to make some changes in his appearance.
