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 Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
acuteness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
ask
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
beloved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
boyish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
care
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
comfortable-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
conventional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
detective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
disappointed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
display
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
eh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a very difficult case, eh?"
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
expression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
fictionist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
frank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
Hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
hawk-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
imaginenounUS /ˈimagine/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
incisive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
innocent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
Inspector
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
Jacobs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
listen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
listened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
merely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
met
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
meticulous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
NotadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a very difficult case, eh?"
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
pair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
placidly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
pleasantnounUS /pleasant/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
questions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
reader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
recital
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
Scotland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
smile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
Smith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
smokingnounUS /ˈsmoking/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
station
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
tale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
unlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading If the truth must be told, the worthy Inspector was rather disappointed; he had expected the great man to display a hawk-like acuteness and to ask a number of incisive questions; but Mr. Jacobs asked none; he said merely, when the recital was finished, "You have done everything you could, Mr. Smith.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He was a short, comfortable-looking person, with a round, almost boyish face, a pleasant smile and a pair of blue eyes, with a frank and innocent expression; in fact, anything more unlike the conventional detective beloved by the fictionist it would be difficult to imagine.
Yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Jacobs, the detective from Scotland Yard, arrived at the Hall a little after four.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading The Inspector had met him at the station, and had gone over the case with meticulous care; and Mr. Jacobs, smoking placidly, had listened--well, as you and I, dear reader, would listen to a tale which had no very great interest for us.
