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 Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
accepted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
alleviate
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From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
bigger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
calmly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
Cecily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
charming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
colour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
command
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
deal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
distinction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
excitement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
explained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
furlough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
General
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
India
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
knocked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
learned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
lengthened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
Majesty's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
papa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
philosophynounUS /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/
The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
pill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
prospective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She accepted that prospective situation calmly; it had been placed before her all her life.
recalled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
service
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
situation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
Staff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
sugar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
term
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
usually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The excitement of it when it was explained to her gave Cecily a charming colour.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading John was recalled, of course, before the end of our furlough, which knocked various things on the head; but that is the sort of thing one learned to take with philosophy in any lengthened term of Her Majesty’s service.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She took a good deal of interest in the General, her papa; I think she had an idea that his distinction would alleviate the situation in India, however it might present itself.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there is usually sugar for the pill; and in this case it was a Staff command bigger than anything we expected for at least five years to come.
