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 And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
believed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
bottom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
Bureau
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From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
calmly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
carte-blanche
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From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
CASE
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From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
caused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
circular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
contents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
crystal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
cupboard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
divan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
doubt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
END
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
explained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
fall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
finger-print
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From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
hangings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
hearts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
Identification
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
infallibility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
installed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
interesting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its contents were most interesting.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
Miss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its contents were most interesting.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
remodelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
selected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
Silva's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
sphere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
suite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
Sylvester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
system
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
tottering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
upstairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
Vaughan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Its contents were most interesting.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.
