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 “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
admirable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I used to read them sometimes—ten years ago.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
beg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
blazing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
dare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
deliciously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
DON'T
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
exactly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
exceptional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
explain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
feelingnounUS /ˈfeeling/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
glimpse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
influence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
intelligence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
kicked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
missed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
missing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
momentary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
naturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
newspapers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
notice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
patted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
perfection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
produced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
rate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
read
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
resent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
sharpness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
shins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
sometimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I used to read them sometimes—ten years ago.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
spice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
strucknounUS /struck/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
stupider
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I used to read them sometimes—ten years ago.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But I used to read them sometimes—ten years ago.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
they're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
thrust
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading I dare say they were in general rather stupider then; at any rate it always struck me they missed my little point with a perfection exactly as admirable when they patted me on the back as when they kicked me in the shins.
WheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/
at any time that; every time that
From this reading Whenever since I’ve happened to have a glimpse of them they were still blazing away—still missing it, I mean, deliciously.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading I don’t read the things in the newspapers unless they’re thrust upon me as that one was—it’s always one’s best friend who does it!
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I used to read them sometimes—ten years ago.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “I DON’T quite know how to explain it to you,” he said, “but it was the very fact that your notice of my book had a spice of intelligence, it was just your exceptional sharpness, that produced the feeling—a very old story with me, I beg you to believe—under the momentary influence of which I used in speaking to that good lady the words you so naturally resent.
