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 book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
analytical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
answerednounUS /ˈanswered/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
apparent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
attempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
bring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
casual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
the way something is arranged or positioned
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
eased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
embarrassing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
floor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
headache
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
headaches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
immersed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
inadequacy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
indirect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
inquiry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
Laura
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
Laura's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
ledger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
maddening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
difficult to explain or understand
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
opportunities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
painstakingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
precaution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
probably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
quietly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
reply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
school-book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
search
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
searched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
seated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
simplicity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
somewhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
study
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
suffered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
task
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
thoroughly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The most mysterious, and, at the same time, the most maddening thing about it was the apparent simplicity of the task.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
torn
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From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
undiscovered
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From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
unexpectedly
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From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
unsuspicious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He felt there was something indirect in the reply; but Laura was unsuspicious and showed no disposition to be analytical.
up
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From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
walls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
west
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The book was somewhere in Laura's room, he knew that; and there were enough opportunities to search, though Laura had a way of coming in unexpectedly which was embarrassing; and he suffered from a sense of inadequacy when--on the occasion of his first new attempt--he answered the casual inquiry as to his presence by saying that he "had a headache."
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading After this, he took the precaution to bring a school-book with him and she often found the boy seated quietly by her west window immersed in study: he said he thought his headaches came from his eyes and that the west light "sort of eased them a little."
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The ledger remained undiscovered, although probably there has never been a room more thoroughly and painstakingly searched, without its floor being taken up and its walls torn down.
