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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 This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
altars
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
belonging
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
Capuana
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From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
close
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
conferences
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From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
court
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
daily
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From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
Earl
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From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
erected
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
experienced
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From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
fortifications
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From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
frequently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
fruit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
garden
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
gates
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
gratefully
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
greatest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
greeted
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
held
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From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
important
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
Isaac's
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From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
joy
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From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
keenest
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From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
known
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From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
lay
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
man
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From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
meal
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
Minerva
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
Miriam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
more
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From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
narrow
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
obliged
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From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
old
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From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
originally
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
Porta
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From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
principal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
simple
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
slip
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
sorrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
sun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
Temple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
Totila
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
tower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
towns
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From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
Uliaris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
used
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From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
visit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She could sun herself more frequently than ever in the presence of the man she loved, for the Porta Capuana was an important point of the fortifications, and Totila was obliged to visit it often.
wall-protectress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
walls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was at this time that Miriam experienced the greatest joy and the keenest sorrow that she had ever known.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This place had been, originally, a small court belonging to an ancient Temple of Minerva, the "wall-protectress," to whom altars had been gratefully erected at the principal gates of various towns.
wine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At such times Miriam, when she had greeted the guests, and served the simple meal of fruit and wine, used to slip into the narrow little garden which lay close under the walls of the tower.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He daily held conferences with Earl Uliaris in old Isaac's tower.