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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
bottom
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From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
Brainerd
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From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
catch
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From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
caused
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From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
certain
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From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
crouching
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From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
dense
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From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
detect
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From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
down
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From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
draw
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From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
dreaded
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From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
dropped
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From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
ear
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From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
end
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From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
EvennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
exchangednounUS /ˈexchanged/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
fail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
faintest
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From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
fancied
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From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
figure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
forwardnounUS /forward/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
Fred
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From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
Godfrey
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From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
jarred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
leaned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
lightly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
lower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
manifestly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
painful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
peeringverbUS /ˈpɪrɪŋ/
looking closely or carefully
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
reached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
reaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
relievednounUS /ˈrelieved/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
Senecas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
sounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
steady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
strained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
supportverbUS /səˈpɔːrt/
to provide what someone needs in order to live
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
suspense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
thump
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such was the fact; just the faintest possible thump reaching his ear at that moment: manifestly, it was caused by the feet of Fred Godfrey as he dropped lightly to the bottom.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Mr. Brainerd leaned forward, and peering down into the dense shadow, fancied he saw the crouching figure going lower and lower, until the end of his support was reached.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
vine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
weight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The father was holding the vine, as if to steady it, when it suddenly jarred in his hand, and seemed to draw up as though relieved of a heavy weight.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
whisper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading The suspense was painful; not a whisper was exchanged, and the ear was strained to catch the sounds which they dreaded, and yet which seemed certain to come.
youngest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the youngest of the party could not understand why it was some of the Senecas could be so near, and fail to detect them.