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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 A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
abreast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
autumn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
bending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
blast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
boomed
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From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
car
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
cheerful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
chosen
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From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
circles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
citizens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
clad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
cold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
deadnounUS /dead/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
débris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
eleven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
enviously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
exposedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspəʊzd/
left open to danger or view left open to danger or public view
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
fantastic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
gale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
gaunt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
glow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
guest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
halted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
icily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
iron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
knock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
leaflessadjectiveUS /ˈliːfləs/
having no leaves, usually because of the season
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
leaves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
nearby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
noiselessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
old-fashioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
outlines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
outriders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
paced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
patches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
penetrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
preparing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
railings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
rattling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
remotest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
rendezvous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
respectable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
reverberating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
sheltered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
shivered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
silhouetted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
square
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
storm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
stroke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
swaying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
sweeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
swiftly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour of eleven boomed out from a nearby clock, and the last stroke was reverberating when a car came swiftly and noiselessly into the square and halted abreast of him.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
threw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
twigs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
upper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
urge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
warmly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
welcome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
whirled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.
windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The débris of the dead autumn whirled in fantastic circles about his feet, the twigs and leaves came rattling down from the trees which threw their long gaunt arms above him, and he looked enviously at the cheerful glow in the windows of a house where, did he but knock, he would be received as a welcome guest.
