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 He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
arrive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
busy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These kept Mr. Tolman very busy.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
cancelling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
change
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
character
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
customers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
deal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
dissatisfied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
getting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These kept Mr. Tolman very busy.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
mingled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These kept Mr. Tolman very busy.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
pleasantnounUS /pleasant/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
please
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
probability
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
proprietorship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
quantity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
questions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
regard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
remarks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
selection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
sorry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
subscribers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
suggestions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone away.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These kept Mr. Tolman very busy.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
Tolman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These kept Mr. Tolman very busy.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These kept Mr. Tolman very busy.
volumes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please, and took such an interest in their selection of books, that only one of the subscribers appeared to take the change very much to heart.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading One or two other customers came in in the course of the afternoon, and about dark the people who took out books began to arrive.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He not only had to do a good deal of entering and cancelling, but he had to answer a great many questions about the change in proprietorship, and the probability of his getting in some new books, with suggestions as to the quantity and character of these, mingled with a few dissatisfied remarks in regard to the volumes already on hand.
