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 LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
ability
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
absences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
absent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
afoot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
afterward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
ambitions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
anomalous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
Bartrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
buy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
chief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
Coloradoan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
columns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
contrary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
corridor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
defined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
desk-curtain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
doubtfully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
drewnounUS /drew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
dropped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
editor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
editorial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
emergency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
evident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
fictionist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
filling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
gamut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
gift
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
ignored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
journalist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
journalistic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
Kershaw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
Kershawan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
LANSDALE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
level
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
literary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
meal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
member
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
newspaper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
night's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
nightsnounUS /naɪts/
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
occasions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
paper-weight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
pen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
pointing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
precedent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
prefer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
proof-reading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
proved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
rare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
rarely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
reality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
recess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
reporter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
runningnounUS /ˈrunning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
sink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
staff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
stories
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
supper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
uncertain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
Unlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
utility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
walk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading LANSDALE had defined himself as a reporter on the "Coloradoan," but in reality he was rather more,--or less,--being that anomalous member of a newspaper staff known as the literary editor.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unlike his chief, he rarely ignored the supper recess, though a walk in the open air often took the place of the meal; and having his night's work well in hand, he let himself into the corridor, said "Down!" and was presently set afoot at the street level.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading For, contrary to all precedent, when he could sink his literary ambitions the fictionist proved to be a general utility journalist of no uncertain ability, running the office gamut from proof-reading in an emergency to filling the editorial columns on the rare occasions when Kershaw was absent.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
wonderednounUS /wondered/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
writing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kershaw had taken him in doubtfully, and had afterward wondered why a man with such an evident gift for journalistic work should prefer to spend his days and nights writing stories which no one would buy.
written
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was during one of the Kershawan absences that the letter to Bartrow was written; and the hands of the paper-weight clock on the desk were pointing to the supper hour when Lansdale dropped the pen and drew down the desk-curtain.
