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 THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
acquaintances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
Army
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
attaché
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
bride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
chaperon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
cigars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
Claiborne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
Club
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
comfortably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
deadnounUS /dead/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Dick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
dirges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
drawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
drill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
earliest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
echoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
English
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
explanation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
foreign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
Fort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
Friday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
girls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
grow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
heart's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
honor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
knell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
languages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
largely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
legation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
Like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
listen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
lute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
manoeuvers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
military
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
morose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
mournful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
mute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Myer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
NAPKIN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Navy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
newly-arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
nine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
OrconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
predicament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
quarrelnounUS /ˈkwɔːrəl/
an angry argument or disagreement
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
render
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
ring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
ruined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
sad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
seaman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Shelley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading —Shelley.
sit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
song
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
songs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Spaniard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
Spanish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
spirit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
spoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
supper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
surges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
Survive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Richard Claiborne gave a supper at the Army and Navy Club for ten men in honor of the newly-arrived military attaché of the Spanish legation.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
TOSS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
Washington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE TOSS OF A NAPKIN As music and splendor Survive not the lamp and the lute, The heart’s echoes render No song when the spirit is mute— No songs but sad dirges, Like the wind through a ruined cell, Or the mournful surges That ring the dead seaman’s knell.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had drawn his guests largely from his foreign acquaintances in Washington because the Spaniard spoke little English; and Dick knew Washington well enough to understand that while a girl and a man who speak different languages may sit comfortably together at table, men in like predicament grow morose and are likely to quarrel with their eyes before the cigars are passed.
witnessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday, and the whole party had witnessed the drill at Fort Myer that afternoon, with nine girls to listen to their explanation of the manoeuvers and the earliest spring bride for chaperon.
