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 Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
called
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
Clewe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
considerably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
curious-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
dam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
damming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
depth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
examining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
experiments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
formed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When he saw her he left the men and went to meet her.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
hills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
lake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he saw her he left the men and went to meet her.
Margaret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
marine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
meet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he saw her he left the men and went to meet her.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he saw her he left the men and went to meet her.
mile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
moored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
NotadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
obtainverbUS /əbˈteɪn/
to get something, especially through effort
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
pond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
Raleigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
ran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
Roland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
Sardis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he saw her he left the men and went to meet her.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
smiling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
standingnounUS /ˈstanding/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
stream
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
stretched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
sufficient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
unusually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
wait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
walking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he saw her he left the men and went to meet her.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
widened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to obtain a sufficient depth of water for his marine experiments, Roland Clewe had built an unusually high and strong dam, and this body of water, which was called the lake, widened out considerably behind the dam and stretched back for more than half a mile.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
workmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was standing on the shore of this lake, early the next morning, in company with several workmen, examining a curious-looking vessel which was moored near by, when Margaret Raleigh came walking towards him.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not far from the works at Sardis there was a large pond, which was formed by the damming of a stream which at this point ran between high hills.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You could not wait until I came to your house to tell you what I was going to do?” he said, smiling.
