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 hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
ATprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "COUNTESS DROMARD AT HOME."
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
brim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
character
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
comprehensive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
continuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
COUNTESS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "COUNTESS DROMARD AT HOME."
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
DROMARD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "COUNTESS DROMARD AT HOME."
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
entertained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
Erskine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
expressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
filing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
fortnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
garden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
gates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
hedge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
hedgerow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
hid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
Holland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
HOME
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "COUNTESS DROMARD AT HOME."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
ladies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
lawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
leading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
lose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
measure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
noble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
opinions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
patience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
plainer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
procession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
rectory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
regarding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
road
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
sharing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
traditionally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
Vehicles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
watched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
watching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
whenceadverbUS /wens/
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Vehicles were filing along this road in a procession which for the moment was continuous.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He was ready, while the ladies were traditionally late, but he did not lose patience; he was too much entertained in watching the hall gates and the hedgerow that hid the road leading up to them.
Willoughby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Erskine could see them over the hedge, and it was difficult to do so without sharing some opinions which Mrs. Willoughby had expressed regarding the comprehensive character of the social measure taken not before it was time by the noble family within those gates.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading The hall gates were plain enough from the rectory lawn, but plainer still from the steps whence, on the afternoon of the garden party, Mr. Holland watched them from under the brim of the first hard hat he had worn for a fortnight.
