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 In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
admired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
ANGER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
appreciative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
bearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
bettering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
Boston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
brain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
bristly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
cheeks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
clam-shell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
cousin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
delusions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
Dennis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
ears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
education
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
effeminate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
exercise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
fellow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
fixed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
flaring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
game
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
gymnasium
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
hair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
hazyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪzi/
unclear or blurred, especially from drink
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
Hillbury
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
hope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
ignorance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
immediately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
introduction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
lurked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
meaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
named
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
nose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
notions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
ornamented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
pimply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
positively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
possessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
prospects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
pugilist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
Regular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
Runyon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
Runyon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
Sam's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
Seaton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
SLOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
South
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
spaces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
squad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
stiff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
stubby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
vacant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
vague
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
worked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.