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 It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
acquirements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
amountverbUS /əˈmaʊnt/
to reach or total a particular quantity or value
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
Bates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
blessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
deal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
delightful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
detail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
discussed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
educated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
elasticity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
elbowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
emphasising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
evil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
fairnounUS /fair/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
glean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
important
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
inconsistency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
inspection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
liberally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
lit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
lives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
mental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
moderate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
mooted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
newspapers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
problem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
proof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
proportion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
qualities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
roughly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
sheets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
slighting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
soberly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
sons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.
stories
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
superior
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
temper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
Trenholme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.
warmhearted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
wit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.
