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 As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
absolutely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
accompanied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
account
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
acknowledgment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
actual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
addition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
afterward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
assisting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
bane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
calculations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
concerned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
construction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
covering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
defects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
detail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
doing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
efficiency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
essential
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
excellent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
expenditure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
facts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
figures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
foreman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
girls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
graphic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
import
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
including
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
insufficient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
interested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
k
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
learned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
long-drawn-out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
material
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
mechanical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
mill's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
nearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
nightsnounUS /naɪts/
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
o
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
overlooked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
paper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
plus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
prospective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
reel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
reports
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
resented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.
retroactive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
Rourke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
s
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
sensed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
sit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
standingnounUS /ˈstanding/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
superiors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
system
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
technicalia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
twenty-five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
unsatisfactory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
vague
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/
in contrast with the fact that
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
worth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.
