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 One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
abroad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
active
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
age
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
all
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From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
bear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
called
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
concern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
conversation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
Ellen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
Ellen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
enjoy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
eve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
Generally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
grandmother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
grave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
leisure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
liked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
Lindsay's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
listened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
looks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
New
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
observe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
parties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
pleasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
quiet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
runningnounUS /ˈrunning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
satisfied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
ThoupronounUS /ðaʊ/
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading "Thou!"
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
To-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Generally Ellen liked it very much; not called upon to take any active part herself, she had leisure to observe and enjoy in quiet; and often heard music, and often by Mr. Lindsay's side listened to conversation in which she took great pleasure.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Ellen was not of an age to go abroad to parties, but at home her father and grandmother never could bear to do without her when they had company.
woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, however, it happened that Ellen's thoughts were running on other things; and Mrs. Lindsay's woman, who had come in to dress her, was not at all satisfied with her grave looks, and the little concern she seemed to take in what was going on.
Year's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, it was New Year's eve, a large party was expected at Mr. Lindsay's.
