Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
arrive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
breakfast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
conviction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
descend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
guessing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
hotel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
List
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
Mme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
numbers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
Paul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
problem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
promptly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
searching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
simplest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
suite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
thrilling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
visitor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not go and call like an ordinary visitor, because he did not know her name!
Visitors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The simplest thing to do seemed to descend into the hall and look at the Visitors' List, which he promptly did.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The problem which faced Paul, when he had finished a very late breakfast, was how he should see her soon--the lady in black.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
wonderfulnounUS /ˈwonderful/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading That was wonderful--did not even know her name, or anything about her, only that his whole being was thrilling with anxiety to see her again.
Zalenska
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were only a few people in the hotel; it was not hard, therefore, guessing at the numbers of the rooms, to arrive at the conviction that "Mme. Zalenska and suite" might be what he was searching for.