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 His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
active
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From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
apart
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From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
become
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From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
believed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
bit
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From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
BOOKSnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
brain
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From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
breast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
busy
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From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
came
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From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
consideration
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From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
construction
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From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
crisis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
darting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
death
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From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
desperate
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From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
Devereau
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From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
dim
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From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
drewnounUS /drew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
drooping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
dying
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From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
expedients
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
faith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
feverishly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
five
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From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
force
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
Garry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
ground
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From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
HAPPENS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
higher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
imminent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
ITpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
laborers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
last-minute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
miles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
numbers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
O'Mara's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
Recollection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
remote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
saveprepositionUS /seɪv/
except for; apart from
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
scores
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
shoulders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
slow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
south
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
stave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
stepnounUS /step/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
Stephen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
Steve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
thinkingnounUS /thinking/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Steve was not thinking of his construction now; it had become a dim and remote consideration.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading IT HAPPENS IN BOOKS It is said that men remember many things when death is imminent; and for days and days something had been dying hard in Stephen O'Mara's breast.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Recollection of many long gone days--thoughts of many things--came darting to his mind; but they were not thoughts of desperate, last-minute expedients which might stave off this present crisis.
win
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For if he had believed that force alone would win for him; if he had had faith that mere numbers could save his construction, he would not have left Garry Devereau with his scores of laborers, busy five miles to the south.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading His step was slow that afternoon when he drew apart to take up his position alone upon a bit of higher ground, his shoulders heavy and drooping; yet his brain was feverishly active.
