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 This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
accompanied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
accurately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
actually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
agreed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
appear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
ascertained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
assured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
Cowperwood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
denied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
depressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
Desmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
excellent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
Friday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
Governor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
handed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
hitch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
indicate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
informed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
Leigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
pardon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
pardoned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
private
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
proceedings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
progress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
properly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
secretary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
sometime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
Steger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
stoical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
surprisednounUS /surprised/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
wait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cowperwood was somewhat depressed, but properly stoical; he assured himself that he could wait, and that he would be all right sometime.
Walter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
WardennounUS /ˈwɔːr.dən/
The chief official or governor in charge of a prison institution.
From this reading He was rather surprised therefore, one Friday afternoon, to see Wingate, Steger, and Leigh appear at his cell door, accompanied by Warden Desmas.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This matter of the pardon of Cowperwood, the exact time of it, was kept a secret from him, though the fact that he was to be pardoned soon, or that he had a very excellent chance of being, had not been denied—rather had been made much of from time to time.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They even went so far—that is, Steger and Wingate did—as to indicate to Cowperwood that there was some hitch to the proceedings and that he might not now get out so soon.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
Wingate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Wingate had kept him accurately informed as to the progress being made, as had Steger; but when it was actually ascertained, from the Governor’s private secretary, that a certain day would see the pardon handed over to them, Steger, Wingate, and Walter Leigh had agreed between themselves that they would say nothing, taking Cowperwood by surprise.
