Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
actors
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From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
anxiety
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From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
any
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From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
appeared
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From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
became
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
Blakeney's
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From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
bowl
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From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
break
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
broke
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From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
cause
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From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
centre
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From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
challenge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
checked
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
chief
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From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
closed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
compact
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
crowd
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
dance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
danger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
deliberately
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From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
desultory
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
distance
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From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
doors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
drama
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
ear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
everyonepronounUS /ˈevriwʌn/
every person
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
evidently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
finally
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From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
general
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
genial
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From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
glad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
good-humour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
grace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
groups
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
host
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
incident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
indeed
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From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
join
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
Lacqueys
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From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
laughter
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
light-heartedness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
mass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
merry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
offered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
oppressive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
punch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
round
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From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
serious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
spirits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
stage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
sundry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
throwing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
vacated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
weighednounUS /ˈweighed/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
