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 At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
action
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
admit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
alarmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
alternate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
bottom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
Bower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
capricious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
cessations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
Clarence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
cocked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
Copperas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
delayed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
dim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
distance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
enter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
Fortunes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
hid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
homeward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
hurried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
imperfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
key
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
loiterers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
loiteringverbUS /ˈlɔɪtərɪŋ/
standing or moving slowly without a clear purpose
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
moments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
motions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
neighbour's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
Nigel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
observed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
occasional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
onwards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
pistol
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
pockets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
precipitated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
rain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
rapid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
reached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
rendered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
scattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
scene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
searching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
seeking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
shelter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
showers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
Somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
staircase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
sufficient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
suspicious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
temporary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
utterly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
view
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
walking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
watching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.