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 I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
attack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
battery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
breathless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
bridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
capture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
choosenounUS /choose/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
Colonel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
COMMAND
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
CONFIRMED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
cross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/
having firmly decided to do something
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
explaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
fancy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
fifty-gun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
fired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
French
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
intrenchments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
joining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
knock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
listened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
lunch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
narrative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
officers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
Oporto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
pieces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
rabble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
related
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
rout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
sacrifice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
siege
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
simply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
Terence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
extremely frightened
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
undisciplined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
utter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
view
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
wildly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
